US5722731A - Vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement - Google Patents
Vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US5722731A US5722731A US08/548,207 US54820795A US5722731A US 5722731 A US5722731 A US 5722731A US 54820795 A US54820795 A US 54820795A US 5722731 A US5722731 A US 5722731A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seat
- track
- belt
- secured
- seat back
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 13
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005728 strengthening Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000001217 buttock Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N novaluron Chemical compound C1=C(Cl)C(OC(F)(F)C(OC(F)(F)F)F)=CC=C1NC(=O)NC(=O)C1=C(F)C=CC=C1F NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000007790 scraping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010421 standard material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
- B60N2/06—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable slidable
- B60N2/07—Slide construction
- B60N2/0722—Constructive details
- B60N2/0732—Attachment of seat frame to the slide, e.g. eyelets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
- B60N2/06—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable slidable
- B60N2/07—Slide construction
- B60N2/0702—Slide construction characterised by its cross-section
- B60N2/0705—Slide construction characterised by its cross-section omega-shaped
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
- B60N2/06—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable slidable
- B60N2/07—Slide construction
- B60N2/0702—Slide construction characterised by its cross-section
- B60N2/0715—C or U-shaped
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/68—Seat frames
- B60N2/688—Particular seat belt attachment and guiding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
- B60R22/18—Anchoring devices
- B60R22/20—Anchoring devices adjustable in position, e.g. in height
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
- B60R22/18—Anchoring devices
- B60R22/26—Anchoring devices secured to the seat
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
- B60R22/18—Anchoring devices
- B60R22/20—Anchoring devices adjustable in position, e.g. in height
- B60R22/201—Anchoring devices adjustable in position, e.g. in height with the belt anchor connected to a slider movable in a vehicle-mounted track
- B60R22/202—Anchoring devices adjustable in position, e.g. in height with the belt anchor connected to a slider movable in a vehicle-mounted track the slider comprising spring-actuated locking means
- B60R22/203—Anchoring devices adjustable in position, e.g. in height with the belt anchor connected to a slider movable in a vehicle-mounted track the slider comprising spring-actuated locking means the locking means being movably mounted on the slider
Definitions
- This invention relates to vehicle seats and, in particular, to a vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement.
- vehicle seat belts are typically mounted directly to the vehicle structure.
- many systems have a belt retractor mounted to the vehicle floor pan, with the belt webbing extending upwardly along the B-pillar of the vehicle to a D-ring mounted to the pillar. The webbing then extends downward to a belt and is connected to the vehicle floor adjacent to the retractor.
- a clasp is slidably movable between the end of the seat belt anchored to the vehicle floor and the D-ring on the B-pillar.
- a buckle is attached to the vehicle floor on the opposite side of the seat. When the clasp is pulled across the user and inserted into the buckle, the webbing forms a lap belt and a shoulder belt to retain the occupant in the seat assembly.
- This seat belt arrangement has a number of drawbacks. For example, in four-door cars the mounting of the seat belt to the floor of the vehicle prevents the seat belt from moving with the rider when the vehicle seat is adjusted, with the passenger positioned in the seat. This results in the undesirable loosening or tightening of the seat belt about the rider.
- the seat belt In two-door cars the seat belt is typically secured from the wall of the vehicle to the rear of the door. When the vehicle seat is in a forward position, this can result in the seat belt being positioned an uncomfortable distance to the rear of the vehicle seat. Likewise, when the seat is in an extreme rearward position, the seat belt may be positioned too loosely on the occupant.
- Griswold, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,341 discloses a vehicle seat assembly with a seat belt retractor mounted at the bottom of the vehicle seat, with the axis extending from side to side within the frame of the seat.
- the seat back frame includes a hollow main beam along the outboard side of the seat, a bent tube forming an upper cross member and a lower cross member, an upright beam, and a diagonal brace.
- a seat belt retractor is attached to the slide rail assembly by a bracket so that the axis of the retractor extends generally perpendicular to the axis of the slide assembly, and the belt webbing extends upwardly from the retractor to the top of the upright beam where it extends through the upholstery.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,247 to Fujimori, et al. discloses a vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement wherein the retractor is mounted at the top of the vehicle seat back, with the axis of the retractor extending from side to side.
- a standard retractor will lock if the seat belt is moved more than about approximately 4 degrees from a standard position, a standard seat belt retractor will not work in connection with this design.
- Fujimori also discloses the use of a separate brace arm attached to the seat back at the top and spaced from the seat back of the bottom to provide additional support for the seat back during impact. This requires a special mechanism to allow both the seat back and the bracing arm to recline during use and adds to the cost of the assembly. Again, the assembly would not appear to provide for adjustability to accommodate differences in heights of the wearers.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,982 to Johnson, et al. discloses an adjustable belt guide and head rest assembly in which the seat belt is mounted on the vehicle seat back while permitting adjustability of the shoulder belt through adjustment of the vehicle head rest.
- the seat belt retractor is mounted within the frame of the seat bottom, with the retractor axis extending from side to side substantially perpendicular to the axis of the slider.
- the seat belt webbing extends upward through a roller mounted within the head rest at the top of a relatively heavy structural beam.
- a motorized adjustment system is provided to facilitate the movement of the shoulder belt guide assembly including the roller relative the beam section.
- this system is relatively complicated and expensive and has a relatively nonstandard appearance.
- Applicant's invention is an improved vehicle seat and seat belt assembly in which the seat belt assembly is mounted directly to the vehicle seat to avoid changes in the position of the seat belt during adjustment of the seat.
- the vehicle seat and seat back assembly is particularly adapted to be manufactured using relatively simple and standard materials, at low cost, while providing high strength and impact resistance and without significantly altering the external appearance of the vehicle seats.
- One aspect of the invention is a vehicle seat and seat belt assembly including a first track, a second track, a platform slidable relative to the first track and second track, a belt guide, a seat belt retractor, a seat belt, a first latch member and a second latch member.
- the platform includes a seat bottom, a first bracket, a second bracket, a seat back, a first layer of upholstery and a second layer of upholstery.
- the seat bottom defines an upper surface, a first side, a second side, a front and a back.
- the first bracket is fixed relative to the seat bottom and is mounted on and slidable with respect to the first track.
- the second bracket is fixed relative to the seat bottom and is likewise mounted on and slidable with respect to the second track.
- the seat back has a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face.
- the seat back is mounted on the seat bottom.
- the first layer of upholstery covers at least the first side, the second side and the front face of the seat back and defines a first interior envelope.
- the second layer of upholstery covers at least the first side, the second side and the upper surface of the seat bottom and defines a second interior envelope.
- the belt guide is mounted to the seat back external to the first interior envelope and the seat back retractor is mounted on the platform beneath the belt guide.
- the seat belt has a first end connected to the retractor and a second end secured to the platform proximate the first track. The seat belt extends upward from the retractor along the first side of the seat back and through the belt guide.
- the first latch member is slidably secured to the seat belt between the belt guide and the second end.
- the second latch member is secured to the platform proximate the second track.
- One of the first latch member and the second latch member is sized and shaped to receive and retain the other of the first latch member and the second latch member.
- substantially all of the seat belt is mounted external the first and second interior envelopes. Desirably all of the seat belt is mounted external the first and second interior envelopes. Importantly, this facilitates the relatively easy and inexpensive upholstering and assembly of the seat assembly.
- the web of the seat belt desirably extends flat along the first side of the seat back between the retractor and the belt guide.
- the retractor is mounted proximate the seat bottom and defines an axis of rotation which extends generally parallel to the first track. Desirably, the seat belt extends from the retractor through the belt guide toward the seat back. Again, this positioning facilitates the proper operation of the seat belt, both during normal use and in impact situations.
- first member fixed to the seat back and a second member, the first member and second member sized and shaped to be movably retained by one another, wherein the belt guide is mounted on the second member.
- first member is fixed to the first side of the seat back proximate the top end.
- the first member and second member form a series of stations extending between the top end and the bottom end of the seat back and the assembly further includes a lock selectively preventing movement of the first member relative to the second member.
- the second member defines a horizontal axis about which the belt guide is rotatable. importantly, this structural arrangement facilitates the adjustment of the seat belt relative the seat, to accommodate the individual passenger's size.
- the seat back further comprises an external frame having an upper horizontal arm, a lower horizontal arm, a first vertical arm and a second vertical arm.
- the assembly desirably includes an internal reinforcing member.
- the internal reinforcing member is advantageously secured to the first vertical arm proximate the upper horizontal arm, the lower horizontal arm and the second vertical proximate the upper horizontal arm.
- the internal reinforcing member is substantially U-shaped.
- the internal reinforcing member desirably comprises a one piece integrally formed tube of substantially uniform cross-section.
- a vehicle seat and seat belt assembly including a first track, a second track, a platform slidable relative to the first track and the second track, a seat belt, a first latch member and a second latch member.
- the platform includes a seat bottom, a first bracket, a second bracket, a seat back, a first layer of upholstery, a belt guide, a first member and a second member.
- the first and second brackets are fixed relative to the seat bottom and are slidable with respect to the first track and second track, respectively.
- the seat back has a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face. The seat back is mounted on the seat bottom.
- the first layer of upholstery covers at least the first side, the second side and the front face of the seat back and defines a first interior envelope.
- the second layer of upholstery covers at least the first side, the second side and the upper face of the seat bottom and defines a second interior envelope.
- the first member is fixed to the seat back and the first and second member are sized and shaped to be movably retained by one another, with the belt guide being mounted on the second member.
- the seat belt retractor is mounted on the platform.
- the seat belt has a first end connected to the retractor and a second end secured to the platform so that the seat belt extends through the belt guide.
- a first latch member is slidably secured to the seat belt and the second latch member is secured to the platform with one of the first latch member and the second latch member being sized and shaped to receive and retain the other of the first latch member and the second latch member.
- a vehicle seat and seat belt assembly including a first track, a second track, a slidable platform, a seat belt retractor, a seat belt, a first latch member and a second latch member.
- the platform is slidable relative to the first track and the second track.
- the platform includes a seat bottom, a first bracket, a second bracket, a seat back, a first layer of upholstery, a second layer of upholstery and a belt guide.
- the first and second brackets are fixed to the seat bottom and are slidable relative to the first track and the second track respectively.
- the seat back has a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face and the seat back is mounted on the seat bottom.
- the seat back includes an external frame, and an internal reinforcing member.
- the external frame includes an upper horizontal arm, a lower horizontal arm, a first vertical arm and a second vertical arm.
- the internal reinforcing member is secured to the first vertical arm proximate the upper horizontal arm, is secured to the lower horizontal arm and is secured to the second vertical arm proximate the upper horizontal arm.
- the first layer of upholstery covers at least the first side, the second side and the front face of the seat back and defines a first interior envelope.
- the second layer of upholstery covers at least the first side, the second side and the upper surface of the seat bottom and defines a second interior envelope.
- the belt guide is mounted to the seat back and the seat belt retractor is mounted on the platform.
- the seat belt has a first end connected to the retractor and a second end secured to the platform, with the seat belt extending through the belt guide.
- the first latch member is slidably secured to the seat belt and the second latch member is secured to the platform, with one of the first latch member and the second latch member being sized and shaped to receive and retain the other of the first latch member and the second latch member.
- the reinforcing member is secured along a substantial portion of the length of the first vertical arm, the lower horizontal arm and the second vertical arm.
- the internal reinforcing member is substantially U-shaped and comprises a one piece integrally formed tube.
- the reinforcing member defines a substantially uniform cross-section.
- FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly, with the upholstery and padding shown in phantom.
- FIG. 2 is a left side view of the assembly of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a left side view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with the upholstery and padding shown in phantom.
- FIG. 3a is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 3 within the circle 3a--3a.
- FIG. 4 is a right side view of the assembly of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 5 is a right side view of the assembly of FIG. 1, with the upholstery and padding of the seat shown in phantom.
- FIG. 6 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 1, with the upholstery and padding shown in phantom.
- FIG. 7 is a rear view of the assembly of FIG. 1, with the upholstery and padding shown in phantom.
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 7 within 8--8.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged left side view of the belt guide of the assembly of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along 10--10 of FIG. 9.
- FIGS. 1-5 a preferred embodiment of the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly 10 of the invention will now be described.
- the assembly includes a fixed track unit 12, including a first track 14 and a second track 16, upon which a sliding platform 18 is slidable.
- the sliding platform includes a sitting pedestal or seat bottom 20 to which is secured a first bracket 22 slidably received by the first track 14 and a second bracket 24 slidably mateable with the second track 16.
- a seat back 26 is secured to the seat bottom 20 by a pair of hinges or recliner mechanisms 28.
- a seat belt retractor 30 is mounted on one of the pair of hinges 28 and a belt guide 32 is secured to the seat back above the retractor 30.
- a seat belt 34 is mounted on the sliding platform 18 so that the seat belt is fixed relative the sliding platform 18 and an individual seated on the sliding platform 18, while being slidable relative the fixed track unit 12.
- the seat belt 34 has a first end 36 secured to the retractor 30 and a second end 38 secured to the hinge 28 upon which the retractor 30 is mounted.
- a first latch member or clasp 40 is slidably secured to the seat belt 34 between the belt guide 32 and the second end 38.
- a second latch member or buckle 42 is secured to the platform on the opposite side of the seat bottom 20.
- the seat back 26 includes an upwardly extending top end 44, a bottom end 46 proximate the seat bottom 20, a first side 48 to which the retractor 30 is secured, a second side 50, a front face 52 against which the passenger rests his or her torso, and a back face 55.
- the seat back 26 includes a back frame 56 and a reinforcing member 58.
- the back frame 56 and reinforcing member 58 are covered by foam padding 60 (see FIG. 10).
- the padding 60 is covered by a first layer of upholstery 62 which defines a first interior envelope.
- the back frame 56 includes an upper horizontal arm 66 and a lower horizontal arm 68, which connect a first vertical column 70 and a second vertical column 72.
- the first column 70 is positioned along the first side of the seat back
- the second column 72 is positioned along the second side of the seat back.
- the first column 70, the upper horizontal arm 66 and the second column 72 are defined by an integrally formed U-shaped unit 74, having a substantially uniform rectangular cross-section.
- the open end of the U-shaped unit 74 is thus closed by the lower horizontal arm 68.
- a strengthening flange 76 is mounted near the top end 44 of the seat back and extends generally horizontally between the first column 70 and second column 72.
- a plurality of horizontally aligned strengthening rods 78 extend between the first column 70 and the second column 72 between the strengthening flange 76 and the lower end of the columns 70, 72.
- a mounting bracket 80 is secured to the junction of the upper horizontal arm 66 and first column 70, as described in detail below.
- the reinforcing member 58 is generally U-shaped and includes a first vertical portion 82 extending along the first vertical column 70 of the back frame, a first angled portion 84 extending downward at an angle away from the first column 70, a horizontal portion 86 extending along the lower horizontal arm 68, a second angled portion 88 extending upward away from the lower horizontal arm 68 (at approximately a 45 degree angle) and toward the second column 72 (at approximately a 45 degree angle), and a second vertical portion 90 extending along the second vertical column 72.
- the reinforcing member 58 is secured to the back frame at various weld locations 92 along each of the first columns 70, lower horizontal arm 68 and second column 72.
- the reinforcing member is an integrally formed one-piece tube having a generally uniform cross-section, although some variation in the cross-section of the tube occurs at the intersections between the various portions due to bending.
- the seat bottom 20 includes a front end 96, a back end 98, a first side 100 corresponding to the location of the retractor, a second side 102, upper face 104 upon which the rider sits, and a lower face 106.
- the bottom 20 includes a bottom frame 108 which is covered by a bottom padding 110, such as foam.
- the bottom frame 108 and bottom padding 110 are covered by a second layer of upholstery 112 which defines a second interior envelope.
- the bottom frame 108 includes a front cross-member 116, a rear cross-member 118 which extends between a first side member 120 and a second side member 122 so as to form a generally rectangular shape.
- Each of the members 116, 118, 120 and 122 of the bottom frame 108 are generally elongated and have a rectangular cross-section.
- the first hinge mechanism 28 includes an upper hinge portion 124 and a lower hinge portion 126 connected by a pivot pin 128.
- the upper hinge portion 124 includes a mounting bracket 130 secured to the lower end of the first vertical column 70 of the back frame 56 by an appropriate fastener.
- the mounting bracket 130 is connected to a pivot plate 132 defining a series of gear teeth 134, each of which defines an included angle 136.
- the lower hinge portion 126 defines a pair of sandwich plates 138 which straddle a locking plate 140 which defines a second series of gear teeth 142 defining a second included angle 144 which mate with the series of gear teeth of the upper hinge portion 124.
- the locking plate is selectively engageable with the pivot plate of the upper hinge portion 132 by means of a cam 146 operated by means of a link mechanism 148 connected to a release pivot (not shown) operated by a handle 152 at the front end of the lower hinge portion 126.
- the first track 14 includes a front 156 and a rear 158.
- the track includes a main track portion 160 having a generally omega-shaped cross-section, which defines a pair of outer lips 162 and a locking plate portion 164.
- the outer side of the locking plate portion 164 defines an L-shaped finger 166.
- Both the main track portion 160 and the locking plate portion 164 are secured to the pan of the vehicle by mounting bolts 168.
- first bracket 22 and second bracket 24 are mirror images of one another. Accordingly, only the first bracket 22 will be described for illustration purposes.
- the first bracket includes a front 170 and a rear 172.
- the rear 172 defines an enlarged foot portion 174, the purpose of which will be described below.
- the mounting bracket 22 defines a C-shaped main bracket section 176 and a locking plate section 178.
- the main bracket section 176 mates with the main track portion 160.
- the locking plate section includes an L-shaped flange 180 which mates with the L-shaped finger 166 of the locking plate portion 164 of the first track 14.
- a mounting bolt 168 secures the locking plate section 178 to the foot portion 174.
- the seat belt retractor 30 is likewise secured to the enlarged foot portion 174 at the rear 172 of the first bracket 22.
- the seat belt retractor 30 includes a generally C-shaped (as seen from the top down) housing 183, which straddles a spool 185.
- the spool rotates about an axle (not shown), which defines an axis of rotation A. It would also be possible to mount the retractor 30 on the upper hinge portion 124 to further limit changes in angle between the seat belt and the seat belt retractor axis A.
- the back frame 56 includes a mounting bracket 80.
- the mounting bracket 80 includes a generally rectangular box-shaped body 184, a first generally rectangular strut 186 secured to the upper horizontal arm 66 of the back frame 56, and a second strut 188 secured to the first vertical column 70 of the back frame 56.
- the body 184 and struts 186 and 188 are secured to the mating portions of the back frame 56 by a series of welds 190.
- a first elongate member 192 or track having an upper end 194 and a lower end 196 is secured to the first side 48 of the seat back 26 proximate the top end 44 of the seat back 26 over the first layer of upholstery 62.
- the first member 192 includes a back plate 198 and a pair of L-shaped outer arms 200 which overhang the back plate 198.
- a profile plate 202 is secured to the back plate 198 between the back plate 198 and the first layer of upholstery 62.
- the profile plate 202 defines a series of raised steps 204, which in turn define a series of stations 206 between each pair of steps.
- the back plate 198 and profile plate 202 are secured to the body 184 of the mounting bracket 80 by mounting bolts 208.
- the first member 192 slidably receives a second member or carriage 210 to which the belt guide 32 is secured.
- the carriage 210 a generally rectangular body 212 which defines a pair of opposing grooves 214 along the front and rear faces of the carriage 210.
- the carriage 210 further includes an actuator 216 secured to the carriage body 212.
- the actuator 216 includes a control arm 218 and a locking arm 220.
- a control knob 219 is secured to the distal end of the control arm 218.
- One end of the locking arm 220 is joined to the control arm at a roughly 120 degree angle and the other and cooperates with the raised steps 204 of the first member 192 to secure the carriage 210 against movement relative the first member 192, and therefore relative the seat back 26.
- the locking arm 220 is biased into engagement with the profile plate 202 by a suitable spring (not shown).
- the belt guide 32 is secured to the carriage 210 by means of a mounting pin 222 defining a pin axis about which the belt guide 32 is rotatable.
- the belt guide 32 defines a generally triangular body 226 comprising a heavy steel ring. The upper portion of the body 226 is covered by a generally triangular pin guard 228 which protects the passenger from scraping against the end of the mounting pin 222.
- the belt guide 32 defines a thin slot 230 which slidably receives the seat belt 34.
- the seat belt 34 includes a first web face 232 which faces outward away from the first side 48 of the seat back 26 between the retractor 30 and the belt guide 32, and faces inward between the belt guide 32 and the second latch member 42, and faces outward between the second latch member 42 and the second end of the seat belt 38.
- the seat belt 34 also includes a second web face 234 which faces inward toward the first side 48 of the seat back 26 between the retractor guide 30 and the belt guide 32, and faces outward between the belt guide 32 and the second latch member 42, and faces inward between the second latch member 42 and the second end of the seat belt 38.
- the seat belt further comprises a first edge 236 toward the front of the seat back 26 between the retractor 30 and the belt guide 32, and a second edge 238, toward the rear of the seat back 26 (between the belt guide 32 and the retractor 30).
- the first end 36 of the seat belt 34 is secured to the spool 185 of the retractor in a conventional manner, such as by means of a standard first end fastener not shown!, as well known in the art.
- the second end 38 of the seat belt is provided with a standard metal tab 240 which is sandwiched between the locking plate section 178 of the mounting bracket and the second layer 48 of upholstery.
- the locking plate section 178 is held in place by a mounting bolt 182 which extends into the lower portion 126 of the hinge which provides the structural support.
- the first latch member 40 is desirably a conventional male seat belt latch member or clasp which is receivably and lockably retained in a similarly conventional second female latch member or buckle 42.
- the buttocks of the passenger are supported by the upper face 104 of the seat bottom 20 and the torso of the passenger is rested against the front face 52 of the seat back 26.
- the passenger grasps the first latch member 40, pulling it across the body from the first side 48 of the seat back toward the second side of the seat back 50.
- the configuration of the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly 10 permits a standard retractor 30 to be used, ensuring the feasibility of the use of the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly, and minimizing the cost of the assembly 10. That is, the structural configuration of the assembly prevents movement of the seat belt relative the seat during adjustment of the position of the seat relative the vehicle. Importantly, this structural configuration lends itself to use of a standard seat belt retractor, in that the angle in which the seat belt is positioned relative the retractor is generally parallel to the axis of the seat back retractor in standard sitting positions.
- the structural configuration of the assembly ensures that the seat belt is always positioned in a comfortable position relative the passenger, and snugly holds the passenger in the seat.
- the seat belt and seat belt assembly permits the position of the belt guide 32 to be quickly and easily adjusted by the passenger or, in the case of a young child, by the parent to ensure that the position of the seat belt relative the passenger is such that it reduces the risk of injury.
- the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly is of relatively simple configuration, and is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.
- the configuration of the seat and seat belt assembly does not significantly increase the difficulty or cost of upholstering the vehicle seat.
- the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly 10 is particular adapted to be able to withstand impact forces.
- the configuration of the reinforcing member 58 results in the impact force being transmitted downward from the belt guide 32 towards the bottom end 46 of the first column 70 to the lower horizontal arm 68 of the back frame.
- the force is likewise transmitted from the lower horizontal arm 68 upward along the second column 72 of the back frame.
- the U-shaped member 58 transmits a significant amount of the force downward proximate the lower horizontal arm 68, thereby reducing the moment forces acting on the hinge mechanism 28.
- the reinforcing member 58 also transmits force from the belt guide 32 not only to the first column 70, but also to the second column 72, thereby reducing the amount of force exerted on any single element of the back frame 56.
- the mounting bracket 80 strengthens the back frame proximate the belt guide 32 and avoids the need to drill mounting holes in the first column 70 which otherwise would result in the weakening of the first column 70.
- the relatively large included angle 36 defined by the gear teeth 134 of the upper hinge portion 124 and the relatively large second included angle 144 of the gear teeth 142 of the lower hinge portion 126 significantly enhance the ability of the vehicle assembly to resist impact forces exerted on the belt guide.
- the provision of interlocking plate portions 164 and interlocking plate sections 178, in conjunction with track section 160 and bracket portion 176 on both sides of the assembly 10 resists any tendency of the sliding platform 18 to move relative the fixed track unit 12.
- the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly is simple, and reliable. It utilizes both low-cost components and is relatively easy to manufacture.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
- Automotive Seat Belt Assembly (AREA)
Abstract
A seat and seat belt assembly wherein a platform is slidable relative a first track and a second track, a belt guide is mounted on the seat back, and seat belt retractor is mounted on the slidable platform beneath the belt guide. Preferably, substantially all the seat belt is mounted external the first and second interior envelopes, and the web of the seat belt extends flat along the first side of the seat back between the retractor and the belt guide and the axis of rotation of the retractor extends generally parallel to the first track. Advantageously, the belt guide is mounted on a second member which is moveable with respect to a first member which is fixed to the seat back. Advantageously, the seat back includes an external frame having an upper horizontal arm, a lower horizontal arm, a first vertical arm and a second vertical arm and an internal reinforcing member secured to the first vertical arm proximate the upper horizontal, secured to the lower horizontal and secured to the second vertical arm proximate the upper horizontal arm.
Description
This invention relates to vehicle seats and, in particular, to a vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement.
Due to the loads exerted on seat belts during impact, vehicle seat belts are typically mounted directly to the vehicle structure. In this regard, many systems have a belt retractor mounted to the vehicle floor pan, with the belt webbing extending upwardly along the B-pillar of the vehicle to a D-ring mounted to the pillar. The webbing then extends downward to a belt and is connected to the vehicle floor adjacent to the retractor. A clasp is slidably movable between the end of the seat belt anchored to the vehicle floor and the D-ring on the B-pillar. A buckle is attached to the vehicle floor on the opposite side of the seat. When the clasp is pulled across the user and inserted into the buckle, the webbing forms a lap belt and a shoulder belt to retain the occupant in the seat assembly.
This seat belt arrangement has a number of drawbacks. For example, in four-door cars the mounting of the seat belt to the floor of the vehicle prevents the seat belt from moving with the rider when the vehicle seat is adjusted, with the passenger positioned in the seat. This results in the undesirable loosening or tightening of the seat belt about the rider.
In two-door cars the seat belt is typically secured from the wall of the vehicle to the rear of the door. When the vehicle seat is in a forward position, this can result in the seat belt being positioned an uncomfortable distance to the rear of the vehicle seat. Likewise, when the seat is in an extreme rearward position, the seat belt may be positioned too loosely on the occupant.
Numerous efforts have been made to address these problems by mounting the seat belt directly on the vehicle seat. In general, such arrangements have fallen into two general classes: a first, where the seat belt retractor is mounted within the frame of the bottom of the seat, with the retractor axis extending from side to side, and the seat belt webbing extending upwardly through the seat back to an upper roller or guide and then downward at an angle to the inner side of the seat, and a second, where the seat belt retractor is mounted either at the top or within the top of the vehicle seat back. Unfortunately, each of these prior art arrangements has a number of drawbacks.
Griswold, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,341 discloses a vehicle seat assembly with a seat belt retractor mounted at the bottom of the vehicle seat, with the axis extending from side to side within the frame of the seat. The seat back frame includes a hollow main beam along the outboard side of the seat, a bent tube forming an upper cross member and a lower cross member, an upright beam, and a diagonal brace. A seat belt retractor is attached to the slide rail assembly by a bracket so that the axis of the retractor extends generally perpendicular to the axis of the slide assembly, and the belt webbing extends upwardly from the retractor to the top of the upright beam where it extends through the upholstery.
Unfortunately, this structure is relatively complicated and is relatively expensive to manufacture and assemble. In addition, although the seat belt moves with the seat, it cannot be adjusted to accommodate the differing heights of the users.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,247 to Fujimori, et al., discloses a vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement wherein the retractor is mounted at the top of the vehicle seat back, with the axis of the retractor extending from side to side. As a standard retractor will lock if the seat belt is moved more than about approximately 4 degrees from a standard position, a standard seat belt retractor will not work in connection with this design. Although efforts are being made to develop an improved retractor, it would be desirable to use a standard low-cost retractor.
Fujimori also discloses the use of a separate brace arm attached to the seat back at the top and spaced from the seat back of the bottom to provide additional support for the seat back during impact. This requires a special mechanism to allow both the seat back and the bracing arm to recline during use and adds to the cost of the assembly. Again, the assembly would not appear to provide for adjustability to accommodate differences in heights of the wearers.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,982 to Johnson, et al., discloses an adjustable belt guide and head rest assembly in which the seat belt is mounted on the vehicle seat back while permitting adjustability of the shoulder belt through adjustment of the vehicle head rest. The seat belt retractor is mounted within the frame of the seat bottom, with the retractor axis extending from side to side substantially perpendicular to the axis of the slider. The seat belt webbing extends upward through a roller mounted within the head rest at the top of a relatively heavy structural beam. To facilitate the movement of the shoulder belt guide assembly including the roller relative the beam section, a motorized adjustment system is provided.
As will be appreciated, this system is relatively complicated and expensive and has a relatively nonstandard appearance.
Thus, there is needed a simple, reliable, low-cost seat belt assembly and retractor system which can be conveniently operated regardless of the position of the seat with respect to the slider.
Applicant's invention is an improved vehicle seat and seat belt assembly in which the seat belt assembly is mounted directly to the vehicle seat to avoid changes in the position of the seat belt during adjustment of the seat. The vehicle seat and seat back assembly is particularly adapted to be manufactured using relatively simple and standard materials, at low cost, while providing high strength and impact resistance and without significantly altering the external appearance of the vehicle seats.
One aspect of the invention is a vehicle seat and seat belt assembly including a first track, a second track, a platform slidable relative to the first track and second track, a belt guide, a seat belt retractor, a seat belt, a first latch member and a second latch member. The platform includes a seat bottom, a first bracket, a second bracket, a seat back, a first layer of upholstery and a second layer of upholstery. The seat bottom defines an upper surface, a first side, a second side, a front and a back. The first bracket is fixed relative to the seat bottom and is mounted on and slidable with respect to the first track. The second bracket is fixed relative to the seat bottom and is likewise mounted on and slidable with respect to the second track. The seat back has a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face. The seat back is mounted on the seat bottom. The first layer of upholstery covers at least the first side, the second side and the front face of the seat back and defines a first interior envelope. The second layer of upholstery covers at least the first side, the second side and the upper surface of the seat bottom and defines a second interior envelope. The belt guide is mounted to the seat back external to the first interior envelope and the seat back retractor is mounted on the platform beneath the belt guide. The seat belt has a first end connected to the retractor and a second end secured to the platform proximate the first track. The seat belt extends upward from the retractor along the first side of the seat back and through the belt guide. The first latch member is slidably secured to the seat belt between the belt guide and the second end. The second latch member is secured to the platform proximate the second track. One of the first latch member and the second latch member is sized and shaped to receive and retain the other of the first latch member and the second latch member.
Advantageously, substantially all of the seat belt is mounted external the first and second interior envelopes. Desirably all of the seat belt is mounted external the first and second interior envelopes. Importantly, this facilitates the relatively easy and inexpensive upholstering and assembly of the seat assembly. Likewise, the web of the seat belt desirably extends flat along the first side of the seat back between the retractor and the belt guide. Advantageously, the retractor is mounted proximate the seat bottom and defines an axis of rotation which extends generally parallel to the first track. Desirably, the seat belt extends from the retractor through the belt guide toward the seat back. Again, this positioning facilitates the proper operation of the seat belt, both during normal use and in impact situations.
Another important aspect of the invention is the provision of a first member fixed to the seat back and a second member, the first member and second member sized and shaped to be movably retained by one another, wherein the belt guide is mounted on the second member. Desirably, the first member is fixed to the first side of the seat back proximate the top end. The first member and second member form a series of stations extending between the top end and the bottom end of the seat back and the assembly further includes a lock selectively preventing movement of the first member relative to the second member. Advantageously, the second member defines a horizontal axis about which the belt guide is rotatable. importantly, this structural arrangement facilitates the adjustment of the seat belt relative the seat, to accommodate the individual passenger's size.
Advantageously, the seat back further comprises an external frame having an upper horizontal arm, a lower horizontal arm, a first vertical arm and a second vertical arm. The assembly desirably includes an internal reinforcing member. The internal reinforcing member is advantageously secured to the first vertical arm proximate the upper horizontal arm, the lower horizontal arm and the second vertical proximate the upper horizontal arm. Advantageously, the internal reinforcing member is substantially U-shaped. To minimize costs and increase strength, the internal reinforcing member desirably comprises a one piece integrally formed tube of substantially uniform cross-section.
Another important aspect of the invention is a vehicle seat and seat belt assembly including a first track, a second track, a platform slidable relative to the first track and the second track, a seat belt, a first latch member and a second latch member. The platform includes a seat bottom, a first bracket, a second bracket, a seat back, a first layer of upholstery, a belt guide, a first member and a second member. The first and second brackets are fixed relative to the seat bottom and are slidable with respect to the first track and second track, respectively. The seat back has a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face. The seat back is mounted on the seat bottom. The first layer of upholstery covers at least the first side, the second side and the front face of the seat back and defines a first interior envelope. The second layer of upholstery covers at least the first side, the second side and the upper face of the seat bottom and defines a second interior envelope. The first member is fixed to the seat back and the first and second member are sized and shaped to be movably retained by one another, with the belt guide being mounted on the second member. The seat belt retractor is mounted on the platform. The seat belt has a first end connected to the retractor and a second end secured to the platform so that the seat belt extends through the belt guide. A first latch member is slidably secured to the seat belt and the second latch member is secured to the platform with one of the first latch member and the second latch member being sized and shaped to receive and retain the other of the first latch member and the second latch member.
Another aspect of the invention is a vehicle seat and seat belt assembly including a first track, a second track, a slidable platform, a seat belt retractor, a seat belt, a first latch member and a second latch member. The platform is slidable relative to the first track and the second track. The platform includes a seat bottom, a first bracket, a second bracket, a seat back, a first layer of upholstery, a second layer of upholstery and a belt guide. The first and second brackets are fixed to the seat bottom and are slidable relative to the first track and the second track respectively. The seat back has a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face and the seat back is mounted on the seat bottom. The seat back includes an external frame, and an internal reinforcing member. The external frame includes an upper horizontal arm, a lower horizontal arm, a first vertical arm and a second vertical arm. The internal reinforcing member is secured to the first vertical arm proximate the upper horizontal arm, is secured to the lower horizontal arm and is secured to the second vertical arm proximate the upper horizontal arm. The first layer of upholstery covers at least the first side, the second side and the front face of the seat back and defines a first interior envelope. The second layer of upholstery covers at least the first side, the second side and the upper surface of the seat bottom and defines a second interior envelope. The belt guide is mounted to the seat back and the seat belt retractor is mounted on the platform. The seat belt has a first end connected to the retractor and a second end secured to the platform, with the seat belt extending through the belt guide. The first latch member is slidably secured to the seat belt and the second latch member is secured to the platform, with one of the first latch member and the second latch member being sized and shaped to receive and retain the other of the first latch member and the second latch member.
Advantageously, the reinforcing member is secured along a substantial portion of the length of the first vertical arm, the lower horizontal arm and the second vertical arm. Desirably, the internal reinforcing member is substantially U-shaped and comprises a one piece integrally formed tube. Advantageously, to minimize cost, the reinforcing member defines a substantially uniform cross-section.
FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly, with the upholstery and padding shown in phantom.
FIG. 2 is a left side view of the assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a left side view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with the upholstery and padding shown in phantom.
FIG. 3a is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 3 within the circle 3a--3a.
FIG. 4 is a right side view of the assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a right side view of the assembly of FIG. 1, with the upholstery and padding of the seat shown in phantom.
FIG. 6 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 1, with the upholstery and padding shown in phantom.
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the assembly of FIG. 1, with the upholstery and padding shown in phantom.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 7 within 8--8.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged left side view of the belt guide of the assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along 10--10 of FIG. 9.
Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a preferred embodiment of the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly 10 of the invention will now be described.
The assembly includes a fixed track unit 12, including a first track 14 and a second track 16, upon which a sliding platform 18 is slidable. The sliding platform includes a sitting pedestal or seat bottom 20 to which is secured a first bracket 22 slidably received by the first track 14 and a second bracket 24 slidably mateable with the second track 16. A seat back 26 is secured to the seat bottom 20 by a pair of hinges or recliner mechanisms 28.
A seat belt retractor 30 is mounted on one of the pair of hinges 28 and a belt guide 32 is secured to the seat back above the retractor 30. A seat belt 34 is mounted on the sliding platform 18 so that the seat belt is fixed relative the sliding platform 18 and an individual seated on the sliding platform 18, while being slidable relative the fixed track unit 12. Specifically, the seat belt 34 has a first end 36 secured to the retractor 30 and a second end 38 secured to the hinge 28 upon which the retractor 30 is mounted. A first latch member or clasp 40 is slidably secured to the seat belt 34 between the belt guide 32 and the second end 38. A second latch member or buckle 42 is secured to the platform on the opposite side of the seat bottom 20.
The seat back 26 will now be described in detail. The seat back includes an upwardly extending top end 44, a bottom end 46 proximate the seat bottom 20, a first side 48 to which the retractor 30 is secured, a second side 50, a front face 52 against which the passenger rests his or her torso, and a back face 55.
Referring to FIG. 1, the seat back 26 includes a back frame 56 and a reinforcing member 58. The back frame 56 and reinforcing member 58 are covered by foam padding 60 (see FIG. 10). The padding 60, in turn, is covered by a first layer of upholstery 62 which defines a first interior envelope.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7, the back frame 56 includes an upper horizontal arm 66 and a lower horizontal arm 68, which connect a first vertical column 70 and a second vertical column 72. The first column 70 is positioned along the first side of the seat back, and the second column 72 is positioned along the second side of the seat back. Advantageously, the first column 70, the upper horizontal arm 66 and the second column 72 are defined by an integrally formed U-shaped unit 74, having a substantially uniform rectangular cross-section. The open end of the U-shaped unit 74 is thus closed by the lower horizontal arm 68. A strengthening flange 76 is mounted near the top end 44 of the seat back and extends generally horizontally between the first column 70 and second column 72. Additionally, a plurality of horizontally aligned strengthening rods 78 extend between the first column 70 and the second column 72 between the strengthening flange 76 and the lower end of the columns 70, 72. A mounting bracket 80 is secured to the junction of the upper horizontal arm 66 and first column 70, as described in detail below.
The reinforcing member 58 is generally U-shaped and includes a first vertical portion 82 extending along the first vertical column 70 of the back frame, a first angled portion 84 extending downward at an angle away from the first column 70, a horizontal portion 86 extending along the lower horizontal arm 68, a second angled portion 88 extending upward away from the lower horizontal arm 68 (at approximately a 45 degree angle) and toward the second column 72 (at approximately a 45 degree angle), and a second vertical portion 90 extending along the second vertical column 72. The reinforcing member 58 is secured to the back frame at various weld locations 92 along each of the first columns 70, lower horizontal arm 68 and second column 72. Desirably, the reinforcing member is an integrally formed one-piece tube having a generally uniform cross-section, although some variation in the cross-section of the tube occurs at the intersections between the various portions due to bending.
The seat bottom 20 will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-5. The seat bottom 20 includes a front end 96, a back end 98, a first side 100 corresponding to the location of the retractor, a second side 102, upper face 104 upon which the rider sits, and a lower face 106. The bottom 20 includes a bottom frame 108 which is covered by a bottom padding 110, such as foam. The bottom frame 108 and bottom padding 110 are covered by a second layer of upholstery 112 which defines a second interior envelope.
The bottom frame 108 includes a front cross-member 116, a rear cross-member 118 which extends between a first side member 120 and a second side member 122 so as to form a generally rectangular shape. Each of the members 116, 118, 120 and 122 of the bottom frame 108 are generally elongated and have a rectangular cross-section.
As discussed above, the seat back 26 is secured to the seat bottom 20 by means of a pair of hinges or recliner mechanisms 28. As both recliner mechanisms are identical, only the first hinge mechanism will be described herein for purposes of illustration. The first hinge mechanism 28 includes an upper hinge portion 124 and a lower hinge portion 126 connected by a pivot pin 128. The upper hinge portion 124 includes a mounting bracket 130 secured to the lower end of the first vertical column 70 of the back frame 56 by an appropriate fastener. The mounting bracket 130 is connected to a pivot plate 132 defining a series of gear teeth 134, each of which defines an included angle 136. The lower hinge portion 126 defines a pair of sandwich plates 138 which straddle a locking plate 140 which defines a second series of gear teeth 142 defining a second included angle 144 which mate with the series of gear teeth of the upper hinge portion 124.
As discussed in greater detail in Applicant's issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,507, entitled "Seatback Recliner Mechanism," issued Jul. 18, 1995, which is hereby incorporated by reference, the locking plate is selectively engageable with the pivot plate of the upper hinge portion 132 by means of a cam 146 operated by means of a link mechanism 148 connected to a release pivot (not shown) operated by a handle 152 at the front end of the lower hinge portion 126.
Although the disclosed embodiment incorporates two handles 134 for operating the respective hinge mechanisms 128, it is contemplated that these recliner mechanisms will be operated by a single handle and that the recliner mechanisms 28 will be connected by a standard connecting mechanism known to those of skill in the art for this purpose.
As the first track 14 and second track 16 are mirror images of one another, only the first track will be described for purposes of illustration. Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, the first track 14 includes a front 156 and a rear 158. As viewed from either end, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the track includes a main track portion 160 having a generally omega-shaped cross-section, which defines a pair of outer lips 162 and a locking plate portion 164. The outer side of the locking plate portion 164 defines an L-shaped finger 166. Both the main track portion 160 and the locking plate portion 164 are secured to the pan of the vehicle by mounting bolts 168.
As with the first track 14 and second track 16, the first bracket 22 and second bracket 24 are mirror images of one another. Accordingly, only the first bracket 22 will be described for illustration purposes.
The first bracket includes a front 170 and a rear 172. The rear 172 defines an enlarged foot portion 174, the purpose of which will be described below. The mounting bracket 22 defines a C-shaped main bracket section 176 and a locking plate section 178. The main bracket section 176 mates with the main track portion 160. The locking plate section includes an L-shaped flange 180 which mates with the L-shaped finger 166 of the locking plate portion 164 of the first track 14. A mounting bolt 168 secures the locking plate section 178 to the foot portion 174.
The seat belt retractor 30 is likewise secured to the enlarged foot portion 174 at the rear 172 of the first bracket 22. The seat belt retractor 30 includes a generally C-shaped (as seen from the top down) housing 183, which straddles a spool 185. The spool rotates about an axle (not shown), which defines an axis of rotation A. It would also be possible to mount the retractor 30 on the upper hinge portion 124 to further limit changes in angle between the seat belt and the seat belt retractor axis A.
As discussed above, the back frame 56 includes a mounting bracket 80. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 6 and 7, the mounting bracket 80 includes a generally rectangular box-shaped body 184, a first generally rectangular strut 186 secured to the upper horizontal arm 66 of the back frame 56, and a second strut 188 secured to the first vertical column 70 of the back frame 56. The body 184 and struts 186 and 188 are secured to the mating portions of the back frame 56 by a series of welds 190.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 9 and 10, the mounting of the belt guide 32 to the mounting bracket 80 will now be described. A first elongate member 192 or track having an upper end 194 and a lower end 196 is secured to the first side 48 of the seat back 26 proximate the top end 44 of the seat back 26 over the first layer of upholstery 62. The first member 192 includes a back plate 198 and a pair of L-shaped outer arms 200 which overhang the back plate 198. A profile plate 202 is secured to the back plate 198 between the back plate 198 and the first layer of upholstery 62. The profile plate 202 defines a series of raised steps 204, which in turn define a series of stations 206 between each pair of steps. The back plate 198 and profile plate 202 are secured to the body 184 of the mounting bracket 80 by mounting bolts 208.
The first member 192 slidably receives a second member or carriage 210 to which the belt guide 32 is secured. Specifically, the carriage 210 a generally rectangular body 212 which defines a pair of opposing grooves 214 along the front and rear faces of the carriage 210. The carriage 210 further includes an actuator 216 secured to the carriage body 212. The actuator 216 includes a control arm 218 and a locking arm 220. A control knob 219 is secured to the distal end of the control arm 218. One end of the locking arm 220 is joined to the control arm at a roughly 120 degree angle and the other and cooperates with the raised steps 204 of the first member 192 to secure the carriage 210 against movement relative the first member 192, and therefore relative the seat back 26. The locking arm 220 is biased into engagement with the profile plate 202 by a suitable spring (not shown). The belt guide 32 is secured to the carriage 210 by means of a mounting pin 222 defining a pin axis about which the belt guide 32 is rotatable.
The belt guide 32 defines a generally triangular body 226 comprising a heavy steel ring. The upper portion of the body 226 is covered by a generally triangular pin guard 228 which protects the passenger from scraping against the end of the mounting pin 222. The belt guide 32 defines a thin slot 230 which slidably receives the seat belt 34.
Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 9, the seat belt 34 includes a first web face 232 which faces outward away from the first side 48 of the seat back 26 between the retractor 30 and the belt guide 32, and faces inward between the belt guide 32 and the second latch member 42, and faces outward between the second latch member 42 and the second end of the seat belt 38. The seat belt 34 also includes a second web face 234 which faces inward toward the first side 48 of the seat back 26 between the retractor guide 30 and the belt guide 32, and faces outward between the belt guide 32 and the second latch member 42, and faces inward between the second latch member 42 and the second end of the seat belt 38. The seat belt further comprises a first edge 236 toward the front of the seat back 26 between the retractor 30 and the belt guide 32, and a second edge 238, toward the rear of the seat back 26 (between the belt guide 32 and the retractor 30). The first end 36 of the seat belt 34 is secured to the spool 185 of the retractor in a conventional manner, such as by means of a standard first end fastener not shown!, as well known in the art. The second end 38 of the seat belt is provided with a standard metal tab 240 which is sandwiched between the locking plate section 178 of the mounting bracket and the second layer 48 of upholstery. The locking plate section 178 is held in place by a mounting bolt 182 which extends into the lower portion 126 of the hinge which provides the structural support.
The first latch member 40 is desirably a conventional male seat belt latch member or clasp which is receivably and lockably retained in a similarly conventional second female latch member or buckle 42.
The operation of the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly 10 will now be described. In operation, the buttocks of the passenger are supported by the upper face 104 of the seat bottom 20 and the torso of the passenger is rested against the front face 52 of the seat back 26. The passenger then grasps the first latch member 40, pulling it across the body from the first side 48 of the seat back toward the second side of the seat back 50. This causes a seat belt 34 to overcome the bias of the seat belt retractor 30 so that the seat belt is pulled from a coiled position around the axis of the spool 186 flat along the first side 48 of the seat back 26 through the slot 230 of the belt guide 32 until a sufficient length of seat belt 34 has been uncoiled from the retractor 30 that the seat belt first latch member 246 is able to engage the second latch member 42 near the bottom end 46 of the second side 50 of the seat back.
Because the seat belt is mounted on the sliding platform 18, the movement of the sliding platform 18 relative the fixed track unit 12 will not affect the position of the seat belt relative the passenger.
Importantly, the configuration of the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly 10 permits a standard retractor 30 to be used, ensuring the feasibility of the use of the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly, and minimizing the cost of the assembly 10. That is, the structural configuration of the assembly prevents movement of the seat belt relative the seat during adjustment of the position of the seat relative the vehicle. Importantly, this structural configuration lends itself to use of a standard seat belt retractor, in that the angle in which the seat belt is positioned relative the retractor is generally parallel to the axis of the seat back retractor in standard sitting positions.
Additionally, the structural configuration of the assembly ensures that the seat belt is always positioned in a comfortable position relative the passenger, and snugly holds the passenger in the seat.
Importantly, the seat belt and seat belt assembly permits the position of the belt guide 32 to be quickly and easily adjusted by the passenger or, in the case of a young child, by the parent to ensure that the position of the seat belt relative the passenger is such that it reduces the risk of injury. Advantageously, the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly is of relatively simple configuration, and is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. Significantly, the configuration of the seat and seat belt assembly does not significantly increase the difficulty or cost of upholstering the vehicle seat.
Further, the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly 10 is particular adapted to be able to withstand impact forces. In particular, the configuration of the reinforcing member 58 results in the impact force being transmitted downward from the belt guide 32 towards the bottom end 46 of the first column 70 to the lower horizontal arm 68 of the back frame. In addition, the force is likewise transmitted from the lower horizontal arm 68 upward along the second column 72 of the back frame. The U-shaped member 58 transmits a significant amount of the force downward proximate the lower horizontal arm 68, thereby reducing the moment forces acting on the hinge mechanism 28. In addition, the reinforcing member 58 also transmits force from the belt guide 32 not only to the first column 70, but also to the second column 72, thereby reducing the amount of force exerted on any single element of the back frame 56.
Significantly, the mounting bracket 80 strengthens the back frame proximate the belt guide 32 and avoids the need to drill mounting holes in the first column 70 which otherwise would result in the weakening of the first column 70.
Advantageously, the relatively large included angle 36 defined by the gear teeth 134 of the upper hinge portion 124 and the relatively large second included angle 144 of the gear teeth 142 of the lower hinge portion 126 significantly enhance the ability of the vehicle assembly to resist impact forces exerted on the belt guide. Similarly, the provision of interlocking plate portions 164 and interlocking plate sections 178, in conjunction with track section 160 and bracket portion 176 on both sides of the assembly 10 resists any tendency of the sliding platform 18 to move relative the fixed track unit 12.
Advantageously, the vehicle seat and seat belt assembly is simple, and reliable. It utilizes both low-cost components and is relatively easy to manufacture.
While certain features and enhancements of the assembly have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that numerous alternative designs and modifications are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention, and that this invention includes all products within the scope or spirit thereof.
Claims (23)
1. A vehicle seat and seat belt assembly, comprising:
a first track having a front and a rear;
a second track having a front and a rear;
a platform slidable relative to said first track and said second track, comprising:
a seat bottom defining an upper surface, a first side, a second side, a front and a back;
a first bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said first track;
a second bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said second track; and
a seat back having a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face, said seat back mounted on said seat bottom;
a first layer of upholstery, said first layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said front face of said seat back and defining a first interior envelope;
a second layer of upholstery, said second layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said upper surface of said seat bottom and defining a second interior envelope;
a belt guide mounted to said seat back external to said first interior envelope;
a seat belt retractor mounted on said platform beneath said belt guide;
a seat belt having a first end connected to said retractor and a second end secured to said platform proximate said first track, said seat belt extending upward from said retractor along said first side of said seat back and through said belt guide;
a first latch member slidably secured to said seat belt between said belt guide and said second end; and
a second latch member secured to said platform proximate said second track, one of said first latch member and said second latch member being sized and shaped to retain the other of said first latch member and said second latch member, further comprising a first member fixed to said seat back and a second member, said first member and said second member sized and shaped to be movably retained by one another, said belt guide mounted on said second member, and wherein said first member is fixed to said first side of said seat back proximate said top end and one of said first member and said second member forms a series of stations extending between said top end and said bottom end of said seat back, further comprising a lock selectably preventing movement of said first member relative said second member.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein substantially all of said seat belt is mounted external to said first and second interior envelopes.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein a web of said seat belt extends flat along said first side of said seat back between said retractor and said belt guide.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said retractor is mounted proximate said seat bottom.
5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein said seat belt retractor defines an axis of rotation, said axis of rotation extending generally parallel to said first track.
6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said seat belt extends from said retractor through said belt guide toward said seat back.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said second member further defines a horizontal axis about which said belt guide is rotatable.
8. A vehicle seat and seat belt assembly, comprising:
a first track having a front and a rear;
a second track having a front and a rear;
a platform slidable relative to said first track and said second track, comprising:
a seat bottom defining an upper surface, a first side, a second side, a front and a back;
a first bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom mounted on and slidable with respect to said first track;
a second bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said second track; and
a seat back having a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face, said seat back mounted on said seat bottom, said seat back comprising:
an external frame having an upper horizonal arm, a lower horizontal arm, a first vertical arm and a second vertical arm;
an internal reinforcing member secured to said first vertical arm proximate said upper horizontal arm, secured to said lower horizontal arm and secured to said second vertical arm proximate said upper horizontal arm;
a first layer of upholstery, said first layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said front face of said seat back and defining a first interior envelope;
a second layer of upholstery, said second layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said upper surface of said seat bottom and defining a second interior envelope;
a belt guide mounted to said seat back;
a seat belt retractor mounted on said platform;
a seat belt having a first end connected to said retractor and a second end secured to said platform, said seat belt extending through said belt guide;
a first latch member slidably secured to said seat belt; and
a second latch member secured to said platform, one of said first latch member and said second latch member being sized and shaped to retain the other of said first latch member and said second latch member, wherein said internal reinforcing member is secured along a substantial portion of the length of said first vertical arm, said lower horizontal arm and said second vertical arm and wherein said internal reinforcing member is substantially U-shaped.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said internal reinforcing member comprises a one piece integrally formed tube.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said reinforcing member defines a substantially uniform cross-section.
11. A vehicle seat and seat belt assembly, comprising:
a first track having a front and a rear;
a second track having a front and a rear;
a platform slidable relative to said first track and said second track, comprising:
a seat bottom defining an upper surface, a first side, a second side, a front and a back;
a first bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said first track;
a second bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said second track; and
a seat back having a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face, said seat back mounted on said seat bottom;
a first layer of upholstery, said first layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said front face of said seat back and defining a first interior envelope;
a second layer of upholstery, said second layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said upper surface of said seat bottom and defining a second interior envelope;
a belt guide mounted to said seat back external to said first interior envelope;
a seat belt retractor mounted on said platform beneath said belt guide;
a seat belt having a first end connected to said retractor and a second end secured to said platform proximate said first track, said seat belt extending upward from said retractor along said first side of said seat back and through said belt guide;
a first latch member slidably secured to said seat belt between said belt guide and said second end; and
a second latch member secured to said platform proximate said second track, one of said first latch member and said second latch member being sized and shaped to retain the other of said first latch member and said second latch member, further comprising a first member fixed to said seat back and a second member, said first member and said second member sized and shaped to be movably retained by one another, said belt guide mounted on said second member, wherein one of said first member and said second member forms a series of stations extending between said top end and said bottom end of said seat back, further comprising a lock selectably preventing movement of said first member relative to said second member.
12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein said second member further defines a horizontal axis about which said belt guide is rotatable.
13. A vehicle seat and seat belt assembly, comprising:
a first track having a front and a rear;
a second track having a front and a rear;
a platform slidable relative to said first track and said second track, comprising:
a seat bottom defining an upper surface, a first side, a second side, a front and a back;
a first bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said first track;
a second bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said second track; and
a seat back having a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face, said seat back mounted on said seat bottom;
a first layer of upholstery, said first layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said front face of said seat back and defining a first interior envelope;
a second layer of upholstery, said second layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said upper surface of said seat bottom and defining a second interior envelope;
a belt guide mounted to said seat back;
a first member fixed to said seat back;
a second member, said first member and said second member sized and shaped to be movably retained by one another, said belt guide mounted on said second member
a seat belt retractor mounted on said platform;
a seat belt having a first end connected to said retractor and a second end secured to said platform, said seat belt extending through said belt guide;
a first latch member slidably secured to said seat belt; and
a second latch member secured to said platform, one of said first latch member and said second latch member being sized and shaped to retain the other of said first latch member and said second latch member, wherein said first member is fixed to said first side of said seat back proximate said top end wherein one of said first member and said second member form a series of stations extending between said top end and said bottom end of said seat back, further comprising a lock selectably preventing movement of said first member relative said second member.
14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein said second member further defines a horizontal axis about which said belt guide is rotatable.
15. A vehicle seat and seat belt assembly, comprising:
a first track having a front and a rear;
a second track having a front and a rear;
a platform slidable relative to said first track and said second track, comprising:
a seat bottom defining an upper surface, a first side, a second side, a front and a back;
a first bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said first track;
a second bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said second track; and
a seat back having a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face, said seat back mounted on said seat bottom;
a first layer of upholstery, said first layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said front face of said seat back and defining a first interior envelope;
a second layer of upholstery, said second layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said upper surface of said seat bottom and defining a second interior envelope;
a belt guide mounted to said seat back external to said first interior envelope;
a seat belt retractor mounted on said platform beneath said belt guide;
a seat belt having a first end connected to said retractor and a second end secured to said platform proximate said first track, said seat belt extending upward from said retractor along said first side of said seat back and through said belt guide;
a first latch member slidably secured to said seat belt between said belt guide and said second end; and
a second latch member secured to said platform proximate said second track, one of said first latch member and said second latch member being sized and shaped to retain the other of said first latch member and said second latch member, further comprising a first member fixed to said seat back and a second member, said first member and said second member sized and shaped to be movably retained by one another, said belt guide mounted on said second member, wherein said seat back further comprises:
an external frame having an upper horizonal arm, a lower horizontal arm, a first vertical arm and a second vertical arm;
an internal reinforcing member secured to said first vertical arm proximate said upper horizontal arm, secured to said lower horizontal arm and secured to said second vertical arm proximate said upper horizontal arm, wherein said internal reinforcing member is secured along a substantial portion of the length of said first vertical arm, said lower horizontal arm and said second vertical arm and wherein said internal reinforcing member is substantially U-shaped.
16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein said internal reinforcing member comprises a one piece integrally formed tube.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein said reinforcing member defines a substantially uniform cross-section.
18. A vehicle seat and seat belt assembly, comprising:
a first track having a front and a rear;
a second track having a front and a rear;
a platform slidable relative to said first track and said second track, comprising:
a seat bottom defining an upper surface, a first side, a second side, a front and a back;
a first bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said first track;
a second bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said second track; and
a seat back having a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face, said seat back mounted on said seat bottom;
a first layer of upholstery, said first layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said front face of said seat back and defining a first interior envelope;
a second layer of upholstery, said second layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said upper surface of said seat bottom and defining a second interior envelope;
a belt guide mounted to said seat back external to said first interior envelope;
a seat belt retractor mounted on said platform beneath said belt guide;
a seat belt having a first end connected to said retractor and a second end secured to said platform proximate said first track, said seat belt extending upward from said retractor along said first side of said seat back and through said belt guide;
a first latch member slidably secured to said seat belt between said belt guide and said second end; and
a second latch member secured to said platform proximate said second track, one of said first latch member and said second latch member being sized and shaped to retain the other of said first latch member and said second latch member, wherein said seat back further comprises:
an external frame having an upper horizonal arm, a lower horizontal arm, a first vertical arm and a second vertical arm;
an internal reinforcing member secured to said first vertical arm proximate said upper horizontal arm, secured to said lower horizontal arm and secured to said second vertical arm proximate said upper horizontal arm, wherein said internal reinforcing member is secured along a substantial portion of the length of said first vertical arm, said lower horizontal arm and said second vertical arm, and wherein said internal reinforcing member is substantially U-shaped.
19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein said internal reinforcing member comprises a one piece integrally formed tube.
20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein said reinforcing member defines a substantially uniform cross-section.
21. A vehicle seat and seat belt assembly, comprising:
a first track having a front and a rear;
a second track having a front and a rear;
a platform slidable relative to said first track and said second track, comprising:
a seat bottom defining an upper surface, a first side, a second side, a front and a back;
a first bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said first track;
a second bracket fixed relative to said seat bottom and mounted on and slidable with respect to said second track; and
a seat back having a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front face and a back face, said seat back mounted on said seat bottom;
a first layer of upholstery, said first layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said front face of said seat back and defining a first interior envelope;
a second layer of upholstery, said second layer covering at least said first side, said second side and said upper surface of said seat bottom and defining a second interior envelope;
a belt guide mounted to said seat back;
a first member fixed to said seat back;
a second member, said first member and said second member sized and shaped to be movably retained by one another, said belt guide mounted on said second member
a seat belt retractor mounted on said platform;
a seat belt having a first end connected to said retractor and a second end secured to said platform, said seat belt extending through said belt guide;
a first latch member slidably secured to said seat belt; and
a second latch member secured to said platform, one of said first latch member and said second latch member being sized and shaped to retain the other of said first latch member and said second latch member, wherein said seat back further comprises:
an external frame having an upper horizonal arm, a lower horizontal arm, a first vertical arm and a second vertical arm;
an internal reinforcing member secured to said first vertical arm proximate said upper horizontal arm, secured to said lower horizontal arm and secured to said second vertical arm proximate said upper horizontal arm wherein said internal reinforcing member is secured along a substantial portion of the length of said first vertical arm, said lower horizontal arm and said second vertical arm and wherein said internal reinforcing member is substantially U-shaped.
22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein said internal reinforcing member comprises a one piece integrally formed tube.
23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein said reinforcing member defines a substantially uniform cross-section.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/548,207 US5722731A (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1995-10-25 | Vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement |
US09/087,587 US5971490A (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1998-05-29 | Vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/548,207 US5722731A (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1995-10-25 | Vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US91442597A Continuation | 1995-10-25 | 1997-08-19 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US5722731A true US5722731A (en) | 1998-03-03 |
Family
ID=24187853
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/548,207 Expired - Lifetime US5722731A (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1995-10-25 | Vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement |
US09/087,587 Expired - Lifetime US5971490A (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1998-05-29 | Vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/087,587 Expired - Lifetime US5971490A (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1998-05-29 | Vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US5722731A (en) |
Cited By (43)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5941604A (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 1999-08-24 | Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft | Shoulder belt deflector with integrated seatback release |
US6056366A (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-05-02 | Lear Corporation | Composite back frame for a vehicle seat and method for distributing seat belt loads |
US6089665A (en) * | 1998-07-02 | 2000-07-18 | Dura Automotive Properties Inc. | Load transfer structural member for a seat assembly |
EP1059197A1 (en) * | 1999-06-09 | 2000-12-13 | Johnson Controls GmbH | Beam for force supporting in a vehicle |
US6655745B2 (en) | 2001-08-23 | 2003-12-02 | H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc. | Emergency vehicle seat with integrated seat belt |
US6669302B2 (en) * | 2001-05-08 | 2003-12-30 | Graco Children's Products Inc. | Seat belt position adjusting arrangement for a vehicle seat |
US6682146B2 (en) * | 2001-11-28 | 2004-01-27 | Taichi-S Co., Ltd. | Structure of seat cushion frame in vehicle seat |
US6695412B2 (en) | 2001-06-20 | 2004-02-24 | Evenflo Company, Inc. | Car seat with adjustable harness |
US20040061366A1 (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2004-04-01 | Meeker R & D, Inc. | Foldable booster car seat |
US20040124677A1 (en) * | 2003-03-07 | 2004-07-01 | Meeker R & D, Inc. | Adjustable and foldable booster car seat |
US6767055B1 (en) | 2002-03-11 | 2004-07-27 | Bostrom Seating, Inc. | Vehicle seat frame and belt assembly |
US6811186B1 (en) | 2002-03-29 | 2004-11-02 | Lear Corporation | Seat belt adjustment mechanism |
US6817672B2 (en) * | 2001-03-23 | 2004-11-16 | Johnson Controls Automotive Systems Corporation | Seatback frame for vehicle seat |
US20060208546A1 (en) * | 2005-03-17 | 2006-09-21 | Freedman Seating Comany | Integrated seatbelt in a cantilevered stowable seat with an improved dump locking mechanism |
US20080073967A1 (en) * | 2006-08-30 | 2008-03-27 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Seat belt retractor mounting system |
US20080201923A1 (en) * | 2007-02-23 | 2008-08-28 | Barger Jeffery A | Child vehicle seat with harness adjustment mechanism |
US20080211219A1 (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2008-09-04 | M2K, Llc. | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US20090127916A1 (en) * | 2007-11-20 | 2009-05-21 | C. Rob Hammerstein Gmbh & Co. Kg | Vehicle seat frame with a hinge mounting, more specifically with a seat back hinge mounting |
US20100052378A1 (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2010-03-04 | Syntec Seating Solutions, Llc. | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US20100148547A1 (en) * | 2008-12-15 | 2010-06-17 | Marriott Brandon S | Seat assembly with rotatable seat bottom |
US20100283309A1 (en) * | 2007-07-18 | 2010-11-11 | Johnson Control Technology Company | Structure for a vehicle seat |
US7901003B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2011-03-08 | Meeker R & D, Inc. | Juvenile convertible car seat |
US20110062765A1 (en) * | 2009-08-20 | 2011-03-17 | Grammer Ag | Vehicle seat with a vertically adjustable seat belt |
US20110121628A1 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2011-05-26 | Dow Global Technologies Inc. | Vehicular seat back assembly |
US20110140488A1 (en) * | 2009-12-14 | 2011-06-16 | Marriott Brandon S | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US20110204695A1 (en) * | 2010-02-25 | 2011-08-25 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Seat in a means of transportation |
US20130221725A1 (en) * | 2010-11-05 | 2013-08-29 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Seat frame for vehicle |
US20140097663A1 (en) * | 2012-09-12 | 2014-04-10 | Isringhausen Gmbh & Co., Kg | Device for locking and unlocking a belt height adjustment device and vehicle seat |
EP2792542A1 (en) * | 2013-04-17 | 2014-10-22 | H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc. | Emergency vehicle seat with integrated seat belt and height adjustable webbing guide |
US20150203013A1 (en) * | 2012-08-07 | 2015-07-23 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd | Vehicle seat |
US20150203001A1 (en) * | 2012-08-07 | 2015-07-23 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seat |
US20150352982A1 (en) * | 2012-12-28 | 2015-12-10 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Seat device |
US20150353044A1 (en) * | 2004-07-30 | 2015-12-10 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Passenger's weight measurement device for vehicle seat |
US20160031410A1 (en) * | 2014-07-29 | 2016-02-04 | Takata Corporation | Seatbelt apparatus |
US9399411B2 (en) * | 2014-12-22 | 2016-07-26 | Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Sliding structure for vehicle seat |
US20160311343A1 (en) * | 2015-04-24 | 2016-10-27 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Motor vehicle seat arrangement |
US20190061579A1 (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2019-02-28 | Yannis Poulos | Seat back frame |
US10300818B2 (en) * | 2016-09-15 | 2019-05-28 | Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle seat |
US10343563B2 (en) * | 2016-10-26 | 2019-07-09 | Volvo Car Corporation | End part and a cross member for a vehicle seat |
US10906433B2 (en) * | 2016-07-21 | 2021-02-02 | Tachi-S Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seat |
US10974624B2 (en) * | 2018-02-09 | 2021-04-13 | Lear Corporation | Rear occupant impact absorption assembly |
CN113650582A (en) * | 2021-08-11 | 2021-11-16 | 武汉格罗夫氢能汽车有限公司 | Height-adjustable seat of safety belt and hydrogen energy automobile |
EP4349666A1 (en) * | 2022-10-07 | 2024-04-10 | Aguti Produktentwicklung & Design GmbH | Belt frame for a vehicle seat |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19753538B4 (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 2006-10-12 | Ewald Witte Gmbh & Co Kg | Device for releasably securing seats, benches or other objects to the floor of a motor vehicle |
GB2378644B (en) * | 2001-08-07 | 2005-09-07 | Johnson Controls Tech Co | Seat |
ES2277694B1 (en) * | 2003-04-02 | 2008-06-01 | Julio Diaz Fernandez | FOLDING AND CONVERTIBLE SEAT FOR VEHICLES WITH CLAMPING SYSTEM FOR SAFETY BELTS. |
US7073854B2 (en) * | 2003-11-24 | 2006-07-11 | Fang-Sheng Tseng | Back supporting device for a motor vehicle seat |
US8002358B2 (en) * | 2007-06-18 | 2011-08-23 | Tk Holdings Inc. | Seatbelt system |
EP2462003B1 (en) * | 2009-08-04 | 2024-03-13 | Adient US LLC | Seat assembly having an impact load transfer structure |
US8398141B2 (en) | 2010-12-10 | 2013-03-19 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seating arrangement for a vehicle seat including a cantilevered section |
EP2655130A4 (en) * | 2010-12-21 | 2018-02-07 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | One piece back frame with an integrated back panel |
CN103407392B (en) * | 2013-08-26 | 2015-11-18 | 清华大学苏州汽车研究院(相城) | The special school bus seat skeleton of a kind of student |
US10625632B2 (en) | 2018-09-12 | 2020-04-21 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Rotatable vehicle seat |
US10858111B2 (en) * | 2019-01-09 | 2020-12-08 | B/E Aerospace, Inc. | Passenger seat reconfigureable for seating or storage |
KR20230011112A (en) * | 2021-07-13 | 2023-01-20 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Apparatus for adjusting the height of the seat belt |
Citations (76)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US325352A (en) * | 1885-09-01 | Axdbew ha in mckay | ||
US778821A (en) * | 1900-03-27 | 1904-12-27 | James Frank Duryea | Connecting-rod. |
US1664893A (en) * | 1926-02-20 | 1928-04-03 | Meyering Bernard | Joint |
US2725097A (en) * | 1953-01-16 | 1955-11-29 | Curtis H Thoreson | Retractile safety belt for carrier conveyances |
GB747800A (en) * | 1953-03-16 | 1956-04-11 | Happich Gmbh Gebr | Seat-adjustment mechanism |
US2949043A (en) * | 1958-09-26 | 1960-08-16 | Oak Mfg Co | Link |
FR1317273A (en) * | 1961-12-27 | 1963-02-08 | Million Guiet Tubauto | Seat, especially for motor vehicle |
US3081114A (en) * | 1961-10-30 | 1963-03-12 | Howard E Esty | Anchoring device for pipe and the like |
GB941581A (en) * | 1961-04-21 | 1963-11-13 | Stubnitz Greene Corp | Spring element |
US3156004A (en) * | 1961-12-07 | 1964-11-10 | Recaro A G | Hinge fittings for seats with adjustable back rests |
US3185510A (en) * | 1963-02-27 | 1965-05-25 | United Aircraft Corp | Linkage interconnection |
GB1007119A (en) * | 1963-09-19 | 1965-10-13 | Irving Air Chute Gb Ltd | Improvements in or relating to seat mountings |
FR1414700A (en) * | 1963-11-28 | 1965-10-15 | Southern Brothers Ltd | Vehicle seat |
US3243234A (en) * | 1964-06-25 | 1966-03-29 | Fehlner George | Seat |
US3259435A (en) * | 1964-02-10 | 1966-07-05 | United States Steel Corp | Spring module |
CA758404A (en) * | 1967-05-09 | Pallant Joseph | Vehicle seats | |
US3398987A (en) * | 1966-12-01 | 1968-08-27 | Young Spring & Wire Corp | Folding automobile seat |
US3432881A (en) * | 1966-06-11 | 1969-03-18 | Peter Ulrich Putsch | Hinge fitting for adjustably connecting a seat and a backrest to each other,especially for motor vehicles |
US3507000A (en) * | 1966-12-02 | 1970-04-21 | Recaro Ag | Hinge fittings for seats with adjustable back rests |
US3602547A (en) * | 1970-02-27 | 1971-08-31 | Meteor Res Ltd | Seat back tilt control |
US3604752A (en) * | 1969-09-16 | 1971-09-14 | United States Steel Corp | Support member for a vehicle seat |
US3608128A (en) * | 1967-09-16 | 1971-09-28 | Recaro Ag | Adjusting device for releasably holding a pair of components at a selected position one relative to the other |
US3638243A (en) * | 1970-05-04 | 1972-02-01 | Univ Ohio State | Surgically implantable prosthetic joint |
US3731342A (en) * | 1970-08-06 | 1973-05-08 | Cousin Cie Ets A & M Freres | Articulation for adjustment of inclination of a seat back rest especially for motor vehicle seats |
GB1342371A (en) * | 1971-08-06 | 1974-01-03 | Keiper Fritz | Hinge fitting for a seat with a movable backrest particularly for motor vehicle seat |
US3788698A (en) * | 1971-11-26 | 1974-01-29 | Ford Motor Co | Seat recline mechanism |
US3833965A (en) * | 1972-04-01 | 1974-09-10 | Brose & Co Metallwerk Max | Adjustable seat inclination fitting |
US3840268A (en) * | 1973-04-03 | 1974-10-08 | Turner Willenhall Ltd H R | Vehicle seats and to mechanism therefor |
DE2339535A1 (en) * | 1973-08-03 | 1975-03-06 | Brose & Co Metallwerk Max | Streamlined lever for car seat rake control - mounted to lie flush in cut-out in axle support arm |
DE2404216A1 (en) * | 1974-01-29 | 1975-08-07 | Brose & Co Metallwerk Max | Safety catch for tipping car seat - has securing hook outside hinge to grip bottom of seat frame |
US3902757A (en) * | 1973-03-29 | 1975-09-02 | Aisin Seiki | Hinge fitting for adjustable backrest |
US3912035A (en) * | 1973-05-29 | 1975-10-14 | Izaak A Ulert | Belt relaxer |
US3931996A (en) * | 1970-12-28 | 1976-01-13 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Adjustable hinge fitting for a seat with a movable back |
US3966253A (en) * | 1974-04-30 | 1976-06-29 | Keiper Kg | Vehicle seat with tiltable backrest |
US3973288A (en) * | 1975-02-26 | 1976-08-10 | Ferro Manufacturing Corporation | Seat recliner |
US3999247A (en) * | 1974-12-31 | 1976-12-28 | Cremer Heinz P | Vehicle seat fitting |
DE2602022A1 (en) * | 1976-01-21 | 1977-07-28 | Bernd Seifert | Safety belt integrated with car seat - has shoulder strap fixed rigidly to rear of back rest and belly band lead through opening under seat |
US4085969A (en) * | 1975-10-07 | 1978-04-25 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Hinge fitting for adjustable back rests of vehicle seats |
US4103964A (en) * | 1975-11-25 | 1978-08-01 | Keiper K.G. | Adjustable hinge assembly for seat of two-door motor vehicle |
US4147386A (en) * | 1976-12-08 | 1979-04-03 | General Motors Corporation | Motor vehicle seat |
US4178037A (en) * | 1975-02-26 | 1979-12-11 | Ferro Manufacturing Corporation | Seat recliner assembly |
EP0006610A1 (en) * | 1978-06-26 | 1980-01-09 | C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH | Operating mechanism for the yawl of a tiltable vehicle seat |
US4223947A (en) * | 1978-12-08 | 1980-09-23 | Keiper Automobiltechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Hinge fittings for vehicle seats |
US4314729A (en) * | 1979-08-07 | 1982-02-09 | Keiper Automobiltechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Hinge mount for seats having reclineable back rests, particularly for motor vehicle seats |
DE3027629A1 (en) * | 1980-07-21 | 1982-02-25 | P.A. Rentrop Hubbert & Wagner, Fahrzeugausstattungen GmbH &Co KG, 3060 Stadthagen | Rake control for car seat - has two pivoted locking segments on common linkage |
US4457557A (en) * | 1981-12-30 | 1984-07-03 | Toshiaki Une | Reclining device for use in a vehicle |
US4482188A (en) * | 1982-12-01 | 1984-11-13 | General Motors Corporation | Anchorage for a seat mounted seat belt |
US4519650A (en) * | 1982-03-09 | 1985-05-28 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Seat back frame assembly for automobile seats |
US4588228A (en) * | 1983-08-05 | 1986-05-13 | Tachikawa Spring Co., Ltd. | Pan-type vehicle seat back mounted to a reclining mechanism |
DE3530495A1 (en) * | 1985-08-27 | 1987-03-05 | Porsche Ag | SAFETY BELT, ESPECIALLY 3-POINT SAFETY BELT FOR VEHICLES, AIRPLANES OR THE LIKE |
US4669782A (en) * | 1985-09-20 | 1987-06-02 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Belt anchor incorporating seat track structure |
US4673217A (en) * | 1985-09-20 | 1987-06-16 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Belt anchor incorporating a seat track structure |
US4722573A (en) * | 1985-09-30 | 1988-02-02 | Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd. | Seat belt-equipped seat assembly |
US4729602A (en) * | 1985-07-31 | 1988-03-08 | Nsk Warner K.K. | Seat belt anchor mechanism |
US4749231A (en) * | 1986-10-30 | 1988-06-07 | Keiper Recaro Gmbh & Co. | Back rest for a vehicle seat |
US4783122A (en) * | 1985-09-30 | 1988-11-08 | Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd. | System for attaching the safety belt to the seat |
US4790597A (en) * | 1986-10-29 | 1988-12-13 | Firma C. Rob Hammerstein Gmbh | Vehicle seat with a longitudinal guide, with an adjustment of height or inclination, and with an attachment for seat belt lock |
US4824175A (en) * | 1987-03-03 | 1989-04-25 | Nippon Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha | Anchorage for webbing of vehicle seat belt system |
US4872726A (en) * | 1984-09-19 | 1989-10-10 | Keiper Recaro Incorporated | Ratchet seat recliner with remote release |
US4875735A (en) * | 1984-03-30 | 1989-10-24 | Moyer George A | Seatback recliner mechanism |
US4878692A (en) * | 1987-07-27 | 1989-11-07 | Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho | Guide rail supporting structure |
US4881781A (en) * | 1987-09-08 | 1989-11-21 | General Motors Corporation | Restraint belt load capacity fore and aft power seat adjuster apparatus and method |
US4940285A (en) * | 1988-03-31 | 1990-07-10 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Seat sliding apparatus for vehicles |
US5102197A (en) * | 1990-11-09 | 1992-04-07 | Tacki-S Co., Ltd. | Seat slide device |
JPH05112205A (en) * | 1991-10-21 | 1993-05-07 | Mazda Motor Corp | Seat belt device of car |
US5253924A (en) * | 1991-06-11 | 1993-10-19 | Concept Analysis Corporation | Blow molded seat back with integral reinforcing member |
US5280959A (en) * | 1991-03-08 | 1994-01-25 | Takata Corporation | Shoulder adjuster |
US5310247A (en) * | 1992-03-23 | 1994-05-10 | Araco K.K. | Vehicle seats |
US5318350A (en) * | 1992-11-18 | 1994-06-07 | Tachi-S Co., Ltd. | Arrangement of seat belt anchor in automotive seat |
US5318341A (en) * | 1992-01-28 | 1994-06-07 | Hoover Universal, Inc. | Vehicle seat assembly with structural seat back to accommodate seat belt loads applied to seat back |
US5322348A (en) * | 1991-07-10 | 1994-06-21 | Douglas & Lomason Company | Automotive seat adjustment mechanism with traveling seat belt buckle arrangement |
US5358310A (en) * | 1992-09-17 | 1994-10-25 | Tachi-S. Co., Ltd. | Seat belt device in an automotive seat |
US5362132A (en) * | 1991-02-22 | 1994-11-08 | Hoover Universal, Inc. | Vehicle seat assembly with structural seat back to accommodate seat belt loads applied to seat back |
US5367917A (en) * | 1992-10-20 | 1994-11-29 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Retractor |
US5390982A (en) * | 1993-04-16 | 1995-02-21 | Douglas & Lomason Company | Adjustable belt guide and headrest |
US5411319A (en) * | 1993-10-01 | 1995-05-02 | Hameen Autosisustamo Oy | Vehicle seat |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2153998A (en) * | 1937-02-18 | 1939-04-11 | Verderber Joseph | Cam mechanism |
US2336013A (en) * | 1940-03-07 | 1943-12-07 | American Seating Co | Chair |
DE1204542B (en) * | 1962-03-10 | 1965-11-04 | Recaro G M B H & Co | Articulated fitting for stepless adjustment of the backrest inclination of a seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat |
FR1514334A (en) * | 1967-01-09 | 1968-02-23 | Peugeot | Seat and seat tilting backrest articulation mechanism featuring application |
DE2845545A1 (en) * | 1978-10-19 | 1980-04-30 | Keiper Automobiltechnik Gmbh | Locking hinge for car seat - has two controls and one lever is reached from rear seat for access and easy exit |
US4969687A (en) * | 1988-05-11 | 1990-11-13 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Passenger seat for motor vehicle |
DE3821554A1 (en) * | 1988-06-22 | 1989-12-28 | Isringhausen Geb | VEHICLE SEAT WITH A BACKREST FRAME |
US5131721A (en) * | 1990-12-28 | 1992-07-21 | Tachi-S Co., Ltd. | Framework of seat back with armrest |
-
1995
- 1995-10-25 US US08/548,207 patent/US5722731A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1998
- 1998-05-29 US US09/087,587 patent/US5971490A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (76)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US325352A (en) * | 1885-09-01 | Axdbew ha in mckay | ||
CA758404A (en) * | 1967-05-09 | Pallant Joseph | Vehicle seats | |
US778821A (en) * | 1900-03-27 | 1904-12-27 | James Frank Duryea | Connecting-rod. |
US1664893A (en) * | 1926-02-20 | 1928-04-03 | Meyering Bernard | Joint |
US2725097A (en) * | 1953-01-16 | 1955-11-29 | Curtis H Thoreson | Retractile safety belt for carrier conveyances |
GB747800A (en) * | 1953-03-16 | 1956-04-11 | Happich Gmbh Gebr | Seat-adjustment mechanism |
US2949043A (en) * | 1958-09-26 | 1960-08-16 | Oak Mfg Co | Link |
GB941581A (en) * | 1961-04-21 | 1963-11-13 | Stubnitz Greene Corp | Spring element |
US3081114A (en) * | 1961-10-30 | 1963-03-12 | Howard E Esty | Anchoring device for pipe and the like |
US3156004A (en) * | 1961-12-07 | 1964-11-10 | Recaro A G | Hinge fittings for seats with adjustable back rests |
FR1317273A (en) * | 1961-12-27 | 1963-02-08 | Million Guiet Tubauto | Seat, especially for motor vehicle |
US3185510A (en) * | 1963-02-27 | 1965-05-25 | United Aircraft Corp | Linkage interconnection |
GB1007119A (en) * | 1963-09-19 | 1965-10-13 | Irving Air Chute Gb Ltd | Improvements in or relating to seat mountings |
FR1414700A (en) * | 1963-11-28 | 1965-10-15 | Southern Brothers Ltd | Vehicle seat |
US3259435A (en) * | 1964-02-10 | 1966-07-05 | United States Steel Corp | Spring module |
US3243234A (en) * | 1964-06-25 | 1966-03-29 | Fehlner George | Seat |
US3432881A (en) * | 1966-06-11 | 1969-03-18 | Peter Ulrich Putsch | Hinge fitting for adjustably connecting a seat and a backrest to each other,especially for motor vehicles |
US3398987A (en) * | 1966-12-01 | 1968-08-27 | Young Spring & Wire Corp | Folding automobile seat |
US3507000A (en) * | 1966-12-02 | 1970-04-21 | Recaro Ag | Hinge fittings for seats with adjustable back rests |
US3608128A (en) * | 1967-09-16 | 1971-09-28 | Recaro Ag | Adjusting device for releasably holding a pair of components at a selected position one relative to the other |
US3604752A (en) * | 1969-09-16 | 1971-09-14 | United States Steel Corp | Support member for a vehicle seat |
US3602547A (en) * | 1970-02-27 | 1971-08-31 | Meteor Res Ltd | Seat back tilt control |
US3638243A (en) * | 1970-05-04 | 1972-02-01 | Univ Ohio State | Surgically implantable prosthetic joint |
US3731342A (en) * | 1970-08-06 | 1973-05-08 | Cousin Cie Ets A & M Freres | Articulation for adjustment of inclination of a seat back rest especially for motor vehicle seats |
US3931996A (en) * | 1970-12-28 | 1976-01-13 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Adjustable hinge fitting for a seat with a movable back |
GB1342371A (en) * | 1971-08-06 | 1974-01-03 | Keiper Fritz | Hinge fitting for a seat with a movable backrest particularly for motor vehicle seat |
US3788698A (en) * | 1971-11-26 | 1974-01-29 | Ford Motor Co | Seat recline mechanism |
US3833965A (en) * | 1972-04-01 | 1974-09-10 | Brose & Co Metallwerk Max | Adjustable seat inclination fitting |
US3902757A (en) * | 1973-03-29 | 1975-09-02 | Aisin Seiki | Hinge fitting for adjustable backrest |
US3840268A (en) * | 1973-04-03 | 1974-10-08 | Turner Willenhall Ltd H R | Vehicle seats and to mechanism therefor |
US3912035A (en) * | 1973-05-29 | 1975-10-14 | Izaak A Ulert | Belt relaxer |
DE2339535A1 (en) * | 1973-08-03 | 1975-03-06 | Brose & Co Metallwerk Max | Streamlined lever for car seat rake control - mounted to lie flush in cut-out in axle support arm |
DE2404216A1 (en) * | 1974-01-29 | 1975-08-07 | Brose & Co Metallwerk Max | Safety catch for tipping car seat - has securing hook outside hinge to grip bottom of seat frame |
US3966253A (en) * | 1974-04-30 | 1976-06-29 | Keiper Kg | Vehicle seat with tiltable backrest |
US3999247A (en) * | 1974-12-31 | 1976-12-28 | Cremer Heinz P | Vehicle seat fitting |
US3973288A (en) * | 1975-02-26 | 1976-08-10 | Ferro Manufacturing Corporation | Seat recliner |
US4178037A (en) * | 1975-02-26 | 1979-12-11 | Ferro Manufacturing Corporation | Seat recliner assembly |
US4085969A (en) * | 1975-10-07 | 1978-04-25 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Hinge fitting for adjustable back rests of vehicle seats |
US4103964A (en) * | 1975-11-25 | 1978-08-01 | Keiper K.G. | Adjustable hinge assembly for seat of two-door motor vehicle |
DE2602022A1 (en) * | 1976-01-21 | 1977-07-28 | Bernd Seifert | Safety belt integrated with car seat - has shoulder strap fixed rigidly to rear of back rest and belly band lead through opening under seat |
US4147386A (en) * | 1976-12-08 | 1979-04-03 | General Motors Corporation | Motor vehicle seat |
EP0006610A1 (en) * | 1978-06-26 | 1980-01-09 | C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH | Operating mechanism for the yawl of a tiltable vehicle seat |
US4223947A (en) * | 1978-12-08 | 1980-09-23 | Keiper Automobiltechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Hinge fittings for vehicle seats |
US4314729A (en) * | 1979-08-07 | 1982-02-09 | Keiper Automobiltechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Hinge mount for seats having reclineable back rests, particularly for motor vehicle seats |
DE3027629A1 (en) * | 1980-07-21 | 1982-02-25 | P.A. Rentrop Hubbert & Wagner, Fahrzeugausstattungen GmbH &Co KG, 3060 Stadthagen | Rake control for car seat - has two pivoted locking segments on common linkage |
US4457557A (en) * | 1981-12-30 | 1984-07-03 | Toshiaki Une | Reclining device for use in a vehicle |
US4519650A (en) * | 1982-03-09 | 1985-05-28 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Seat back frame assembly for automobile seats |
US4482188A (en) * | 1982-12-01 | 1984-11-13 | General Motors Corporation | Anchorage for a seat mounted seat belt |
US4588228A (en) * | 1983-08-05 | 1986-05-13 | Tachikawa Spring Co., Ltd. | Pan-type vehicle seat back mounted to a reclining mechanism |
US4875735A (en) * | 1984-03-30 | 1989-10-24 | Moyer George A | Seatback recliner mechanism |
US4872726A (en) * | 1984-09-19 | 1989-10-10 | Keiper Recaro Incorporated | Ratchet seat recliner with remote release |
US4729602A (en) * | 1985-07-31 | 1988-03-08 | Nsk Warner K.K. | Seat belt anchor mechanism |
DE3530495A1 (en) * | 1985-08-27 | 1987-03-05 | Porsche Ag | SAFETY BELT, ESPECIALLY 3-POINT SAFETY BELT FOR VEHICLES, AIRPLANES OR THE LIKE |
US4673217A (en) * | 1985-09-20 | 1987-06-16 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Belt anchor incorporating a seat track structure |
US4669782A (en) * | 1985-09-20 | 1987-06-02 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Belt anchor incorporating seat track structure |
US4722573A (en) * | 1985-09-30 | 1988-02-02 | Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd. | Seat belt-equipped seat assembly |
US4783122A (en) * | 1985-09-30 | 1988-11-08 | Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd. | System for attaching the safety belt to the seat |
US4790597A (en) * | 1986-10-29 | 1988-12-13 | Firma C. Rob Hammerstein Gmbh | Vehicle seat with a longitudinal guide, with an adjustment of height or inclination, and with an attachment for seat belt lock |
US4749231A (en) * | 1986-10-30 | 1988-06-07 | Keiper Recaro Gmbh & Co. | Back rest for a vehicle seat |
US4824175A (en) * | 1987-03-03 | 1989-04-25 | Nippon Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha | Anchorage for webbing of vehicle seat belt system |
US4878692A (en) * | 1987-07-27 | 1989-11-07 | Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho | Guide rail supporting structure |
US4881781A (en) * | 1987-09-08 | 1989-11-21 | General Motors Corporation | Restraint belt load capacity fore and aft power seat adjuster apparatus and method |
US4940285A (en) * | 1988-03-31 | 1990-07-10 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Seat sliding apparatus for vehicles |
US5102197A (en) * | 1990-11-09 | 1992-04-07 | Tacki-S Co., Ltd. | Seat slide device |
US5362132A (en) * | 1991-02-22 | 1994-11-08 | Hoover Universal, Inc. | Vehicle seat assembly with structural seat back to accommodate seat belt loads applied to seat back |
US5280959A (en) * | 1991-03-08 | 1994-01-25 | Takata Corporation | Shoulder adjuster |
US5253924A (en) * | 1991-06-11 | 1993-10-19 | Concept Analysis Corporation | Blow molded seat back with integral reinforcing member |
US5322348A (en) * | 1991-07-10 | 1994-06-21 | Douglas & Lomason Company | Automotive seat adjustment mechanism with traveling seat belt buckle arrangement |
JPH05112205A (en) * | 1991-10-21 | 1993-05-07 | Mazda Motor Corp | Seat belt device of car |
US5318341A (en) * | 1992-01-28 | 1994-06-07 | Hoover Universal, Inc. | Vehicle seat assembly with structural seat back to accommodate seat belt loads applied to seat back |
US5310247A (en) * | 1992-03-23 | 1994-05-10 | Araco K.K. | Vehicle seats |
US5358310A (en) * | 1992-09-17 | 1994-10-25 | Tachi-S. Co., Ltd. | Seat belt device in an automotive seat |
US5367917A (en) * | 1992-10-20 | 1994-11-29 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Retractor |
US5318350A (en) * | 1992-11-18 | 1994-06-07 | Tachi-S Co., Ltd. | Arrangement of seat belt anchor in automotive seat |
US5390982A (en) * | 1993-04-16 | 1995-02-21 | Douglas & Lomason Company | Adjustable belt guide and headrest |
US5411319A (en) * | 1993-10-01 | 1995-05-02 | Hameen Autosisustamo Oy | Vehicle seat |
Non-Patent Citations (4)
Title |
---|
FIG. 2 Prior Art Drawing; Hsin Chun, Incorporated, Manufacturer, Jun. 1985, Taiwan. * |
FIG. 2--Prior Art Drawing; Hsin-Chun, Incorporated, Manufacturer, Jun. 1985, Taiwan. |
FIGS. 1a & 1b Prior Art Drawing; Hsin Chun, Incorporated, Manufacturer, Jun. 1985, Taiwan. * |
FIGS. 1a & 1b--Prior Art Drawing; Hsin-Chun, Incorporated, Manufacturer, Jun. 1985, Taiwan. |
Cited By (78)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5941604A (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 1999-08-24 | Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft | Shoulder belt deflector with integrated seatback release |
US6089665A (en) * | 1998-07-02 | 2000-07-18 | Dura Automotive Properties Inc. | Load transfer structural member for a seat assembly |
US6056366A (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-05-02 | Lear Corporation | Composite back frame for a vehicle seat and method for distributing seat belt loads |
EP1059197A1 (en) * | 1999-06-09 | 2000-12-13 | Johnson Controls GmbH | Beam for force supporting in a vehicle |
US6817672B2 (en) * | 2001-03-23 | 2004-11-16 | Johnson Controls Automotive Systems Corporation | Seatback frame for vehicle seat |
US6669302B2 (en) * | 2001-05-08 | 2003-12-30 | Graco Children's Products Inc. | Seat belt position adjusting arrangement for a vehicle seat |
US6695412B2 (en) | 2001-06-20 | 2004-02-24 | Evenflo Company, Inc. | Car seat with adjustable harness |
US6655745B2 (en) | 2001-08-23 | 2003-12-02 | H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc. | Emergency vehicle seat with integrated seat belt |
US6682146B2 (en) * | 2001-11-28 | 2004-01-27 | Taichi-S Co., Ltd. | Structure of seat cushion frame in vehicle seat |
US6767055B1 (en) | 2002-03-11 | 2004-07-27 | Bostrom Seating, Inc. | Vehicle seat frame and belt assembly |
US6811186B1 (en) | 2002-03-29 | 2004-11-02 | Lear Corporation | Seat belt adjustment mechanism |
US7229132B2 (en) | 2002-09-27 | 2007-06-12 | Meeker R & D, Inc. | Foldable booster car seat |
US20040061366A1 (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2004-04-01 | Meeker R & D, Inc. | Foldable booster car seat |
US20040124677A1 (en) * | 2003-03-07 | 2004-07-01 | Meeker R & D, Inc. | Adjustable and foldable booster car seat |
US6908151B2 (en) | 2003-03-07 | 2005-06-21 | Meeker R&D, Inc. | Adjustable and foldable booster car seat |
US20040189068A1 (en) * | 2003-03-07 | 2004-09-30 | Meeker R+D, Inc. | Adjustable and foldable booster car seat |
US7637568B2 (en) | 2003-03-07 | 2009-12-29 | Meeker R & D, Inc. | Adjustable back for a car seat |
US20150353044A1 (en) * | 2004-07-30 | 2015-12-10 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Passenger's weight measurement device for vehicle seat |
US10634527B2 (en) | 2004-07-30 | 2020-04-28 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seat with load sensor |
US9835479B2 (en) * | 2004-07-30 | 2017-12-05 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seat with load sensor |
US20060208546A1 (en) * | 2005-03-17 | 2006-09-21 | Freedman Seating Comany | Integrated seatbelt in a cantilevered stowable seat with an improved dump locking mechanism |
US7438354B2 (en) * | 2005-03-17 | 2008-10-21 | Freedman Seating Company | Integrated seatbelt in a cantilevered stowable seat with an improved dump locking mechanism |
US7901003B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2011-03-08 | Meeker R & D, Inc. | Juvenile convertible car seat |
US7497521B2 (en) * | 2006-08-30 | 2009-03-03 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd | Seat belt retractor mounting system |
US20080073967A1 (en) * | 2006-08-30 | 2008-03-27 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Seat belt retractor mounting system |
US20080201923A1 (en) * | 2007-02-23 | 2008-08-28 | Barger Jeffery A | Child vehicle seat with harness adjustment mechanism |
US7547065B2 (en) | 2007-02-23 | 2009-06-16 | Evenflo Company, Inc. | Child vehicle seat with harness adjustment mechanism |
US20080211287A1 (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2008-09-04 | M2K, Llc. | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US7784867B2 (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2010-08-31 | Syntec Seating Solutions, Llc | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US7789460B2 (en) | 2007-03-02 | 2010-09-07 | Syntec Seating Solutions, Llc | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US20100327644A1 (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2010-12-30 | Syntec Seating Solutions Llc | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US7896434B2 (en) | 2007-03-02 | 2011-03-01 | Syntec Seating Solutions Llc | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US20080211275A1 (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2008-09-04 | M2K, Llc. | Seat assembly for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the same |
US8118361B2 (en) | 2007-03-02 | 2012-02-21 | Syntec Seating Solutions Llc | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US20080211219A1 (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2008-09-04 | M2K, Llc. | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US20110148158A1 (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2011-06-23 | Syntec Seating Solutions Llc | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US20100283309A1 (en) * | 2007-07-18 | 2010-11-11 | Johnson Control Technology Company | Structure for a vehicle seat |
US8528981B2 (en) * | 2007-07-18 | 2013-09-10 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Structure for a vehicle seat |
US20090127916A1 (en) * | 2007-11-20 | 2009-05-21 | C. Rob Hammerstein Gmbh & Co. Kg | Vehicle seat frame with a hinge mounting, more specifically with a seat back hinge mounting |
US7810881B2 (en) * | 2007-11-20 | 2010-10-12 | C. Rob. Hammerstein Gmbh & Co. Kg | Vehicle seat frame with a hinge mounting, more specifically with a seat back hinge mounting |
US20110121628A1 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2011-05-26 | Dow Global Technologies Inc. | Vehicular seat back assembly |
US8511748B2 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2013-08-20 | Styron Europe Gmbh | Vehicular seat back assembly |
US20100052378A1 (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2010-03-04 | Syntec Seating Solutions, Llc. | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US20100148547A1 (en) * | 2008-12-15 | 2010-06-17 | Marriott Brandon S | Seat assembly with rotatable seat bottom |
US8123293B2 (en) | 2008-12-15 | 2012-02-28 | Syntec Seating Solutions Llc | Seat assembly with rotatable seat bottom |
US8807658B2 (en) * | 2009-08-20 | 2014-08-19 | Grammer Ag | Vehicle seat with a vertically adjustable seat belt |
US20110062765A1 (en) * | 2009-08-20 | 2011-03-17 | Grammer Ag | Vehicle seat with a vertically adjustable seat belt |
US20110140488A1 (en) * | 2009-12-14 | 2011-06-16 | Marriott Brandon S | Seat assembly for a vehicle |
US9205768B2 (en) * | 2010-02-25 | 2015-12-08 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Seat in a means of transportation |
US20110204695A1 (en) * | 2010-02-25 | 2011-08-25 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Seat in a means of transportation |
US20130221725A1 (en) * | 2010-11-05 | 2013-08-29 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Seat frame for vehicle |
US9039094B2 (en) * | 2010-11-05 | 2015-05-26 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Seat frame for vehicle |
US9446697B2 (en) * | 2012-08-07 | 2016-09-20 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seat |
US9421890B2 (en) * | 2012-08-07 | 2016-08-23 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seat |
US20150203013A1 (en) * | 2012-08-07 | 2015-07-23 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd | Vehicle seat |
US20150203001A1 (en) * | 2012-08-07 | 2015-07-23 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seat |
US20140097663A1 (en) * | 2012-09-12 | 2014-04-10 | Isringhausen Gmbh & Co., Kg | Device for locking and unlocking a belt height adjustment device and vehicle seat |
US9168888B2 (en) * | 2012-09-12 | 2015-10-27 | Isringhausen Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for locking and unlocking a belt height adjustment device and vehicle seat |
US20150352982A1 (en) * | 2012-12-28 | 2015-12-10 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Seat device |
US9004606B2 (en) | 2013-04-17 | 2015-04-14 | H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc. | Emergency vehicle seat with integrated seat belt and height adjustable webbing guide |
WO2014172407A1 (en) * | 2013-04-17 | 2014-10-23 | H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc. | Emergency vehicle seat with integrated seat belt and height adjustable webbing guide |
CN104108369A (en) * | 2013-04-17 | 2014-10-22 | H.O.波斯特姆有限公司 | Emergency Vehicle Seat With Integrated Seat Belt And Height Adjustable Webbing Guide |
EP2792542A1 (en) * | 2013-04-17 | 2014-10-22 | H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc. | Emergency vehicle seat with integrated seat belt and height adjustable webbing guide |
CN104108369B (en) * | 2013-04-17 | 2018-11-06 | H.O.波斯特姆有限公司 | Emergency vehicles seat with integrated security band and the adjustable web guide of height |
US20160031410A1 (en) * | 2014-07-29 | 2016-02-04 | Takata Corporation | Seatbelt apparatus |
US9399411B2 (en) * | 2014-12-22 | 2016-07-26 | Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Sliding structure for vehicle seat |
US20160311343A1 (en) * | 2015-04-24 | 2016-10-27 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Motor vehicle seat arrangement |
US9914372B2 (en) * | 2015-04-24 | 2018-03-13 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Motor vehicle seat arrangement |
US20190061579A1 (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2019-02-28 | Yannis Poulos | Seat back frame |
US10576857B2 (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2020-03-03 | Adient Luxembourg Holding S.Á R.L. | Seat back frame |
US10906433B2 (en) * | 2016-07-21 | 2021-02-02 | Tachi-S Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seat |
US10300818B2 (en) * | 2016-09-15 | 2019-05-28 | Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle seat |
US10343563B2 (en) * | 2016-10-26 | 2019-07-09 | Volvo Car Corporation | End part and a cross member for a vehicle seat |
US10974624B2 (en) * | 2018-02-09 | 2021-04-13 | Lear Corporation | Rear occupant impact absorption assembly |
US11912180B2 (en) | 2018-02-09 | 2024-02-27 | Lear Corporation | Rear occupant impact absorption assembly |
CN113650582A (en) * | 2021-08-11 | 2021-11-16 | 武汉格罗夫氢能汽车有限公司 | Height-adjustable seat of safety belt and hydrogen energy automobile |
CN113650582B (en) * | 2021-08-11 | 2023-06-30 | 武汉格罗夫氢能汽车有限公司 | Seat with height-adjustable safety belt and hydrogen energy automobile |
EP4349666A1 (en) * | 2022-10-07 | 2024-04-10 | Aguti Produktentwicklung & Design GmbH | Belt frame for a vehicle seat |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US5971490A (en) | 1999-10-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5722731A (en) | Vehicle seat and seat belt arrangement | |
US6767055B1 (en) | Vehicle seat frame and belt assembly | |
US4655503A (en) | Vehicular seat | |
US5100199A (en) | Built-in infant seat | |
NZ299718A (en) | Child's safety seat for a motor vehicle moveable from an upright to a first and second range of reclined positions | |
US5700055A (en) | Seat back automatic height adjustor and recliner mechanism | |
EP0594526A1 (en) | A mechanism for adjusting the inclination of a vehicle seat cushion | |
US7478882B2 (en) | Motor vehicle seat | |
EP2651690B1 (en) | Vehicle seat, in particular second row vehicle seat | |
US5538322A (en) | Child car seat with adjustable barrier shield | |
KR19980070368A (en) | Child safety seat for car | |
EP0671291A2 (en) | Vehicle seat for children | |
US11027638B2 (en) | Locking mechanisms for a foldable armrest for a seat of a vehicle | |
US20180281960A1 (en) | Airline seat and airline seatbelt system | |
US7093897B2 (en) | Automobile vehicle seat adaptable to accommodate a child | |
US10953778B2 (en) | Armrest and seat arrangement for a vehicle | |
EP0331299B1 (en) | Child's safety seat | |
JP3573376B2 (en) | Multifunctional seats for vehicles | |
JPH0885418A (en) | Infant restraint protection seat | |
JPH06286509A (en) | Automobile seat with child seat | |
JP3777221B2 (en) | Multifunctional seat for vehicles | |
US20020149249A1 (en) | Vehicle seat development | |
JP3305575B2 (en) | Child seat belt device | |
JPH05220025A (en) | Side support structure of seat cushion | |
JPS6040332Y2 (en) | Device for partially tilting vehicle seats forward |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
CC | Certificate of correction | ||
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JOHNSON SAFETY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:047844/0681 Effective date: 20181219 |